tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28776328348559222542018-02-17T20:26:36.902-06:00"Eric failing deletions"My Life in Chicago, IllinoisEric Chathamnoreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877632834855922254.post-27966364172066004712018-01-21T17:32:00.000-06:002018-01-27T16:23:50.762-06:00An Emerald Tree<b>2018 Give Way!</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-55hDmW0xxiw/WlupkXEZMpI/AAAAAAABX8s/F488Cz2IiYAY_GHc0BuE97N_9uHTjC_NgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-55hDmW0xxiw/WlupkXEZMpI/AAAAAAABX8s/F488Cz2IiYAY_GHc0BuE97N_9uHTjC_NgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0617.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tolkien's Ents come to life here!</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">2017 Destination England!</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Avebury, Wiltshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 12, 2017</span></div><br /><b>One Tree Hill by U2</b><br /><i>Happy New Year! 2018 Give Way!</i><br /><br /><i>"This is not an end, my friends, but a beginning.</i><br /><i>We've been given a second chance, and we must not waste it."</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>"New from old.</i><br /><i>Order from chaos.</i><br /><i>Cease from destruction.</i><br /><i>It's Emerald Tree...</i><br /><i>That's the real secret of dominion."</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>Now you know the Secret of Dominion...</i><br />The Secret of Dominion, The Secret Ep. 13<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Happy New Year, everyone! Welcome to 2018. The dogs will be out soon, as the rooster sleeps. What are your goals? </i></b>What are your resolutions? Or, how about this one? What is your new year THEME? Since 2011, I've tried to make a theme for the new year. It's been pretty consistent since then. The 2011 year theme, "Dibs," were my last spoken words of 2011. That is where the new year themes had its start actually. This year, my new year theme is "Give Way." I chose that theme for two reasons; one, my England Trip. In the US we have yield, but in England, there, it's more polite and bold: Give Way! Two, I've thought about my life when I composed my Release blog in December. Give Way. It ties into two goals I formulated last month.&nbsp;"Snubbed? Brushed off? Meekly stand out." and "A smile kills a thousand ills." Those two goals are an intersection.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-scDAyEw4b7Q/Wlu3OnTGUcI/AAAAAAABX88/oSRhjS1R58wpxE2Aow9tE9ayzo6Rk2clwCLcBGAs/s1600/giveway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-scDAyEw4b7Q/Wlu3OnTGUcI/AAAAAAABX88/oSRhjS1R58wpxE2Aow9tE9ayzo6Rk2clwCLcBGAs/s200/giveway.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>So, who actually gives way?</i> I've always been one about balance courtesy and fairness, so I think that needs to be reciprocated in the new year both ways. It should be followed the English way. Most times in my life, I'm brushed aside, pushed away and forgotten. Quite recently, I had to add "keeping me to succeed" also in that "snubbed" goal. I recently had to let a lot of people go -- most especially one person, who was holding my success back. Also, in the new year, give way, also has a spiritual meaning. Thank you, Michael Lawrence for pointing this out to me! So this theme goes both ways, and it's my hope this year it does as I try to make meaningful relationships. My TRIAL people ended last year. I'm not going through another year starting it with a "friendship dissolve." According to the dictionary, "give way" means to relinquish one's possessions, charity, and self-sacrifice. It has a stronger meaning than simply yield. So, those were the reasons I chose "give way" as my theme. I wanted a bold theme this year; self-sacrifice, charity, and having a balance in my life with meaningful relationships, career, life and all my goals. Looking back at the goals I came up for this year, "give way" is a commonality in all of them!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UtUHVWEtLSQ/Wlu4mIQYUeI/AAAAAAABX9I/C8zLhYugTSUL01A4X61GHsT0WxTCm4_GQCLcBGAs/s1600/sign-giving-order-give-way.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="475" height="176" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UtUHVWEtLSQ/Wlu4mIQYUeI/AAAAAAABX9I/C8zLhYugTSUL01A4X61GHsT0WxTCm4_GQCLcBGAs/s200/sign-giving-order-give-way.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>The Secret of Dominion.</i> I used the title of this blog to illustrate the radio series. I downloaded the series this month from "Old Time Radio" <a href="https://www.oldtimeradiodownloads.com/sci-fi/the-secret-of-dominion">downloads</a> to enjoy listening to it again. I still own the original cassettes, that I copied from my cousin, <i>Terry Reese</i>. He&nbsp;introduced me to this series in the 90s. We even created a role-playing game called "Dominion" based on the radio series. I think the series was made in the 80s though. The series was incredible for its time I think. The plot basically has the entire galaxy enslaved to the power of a renegade force Dominion. For years, the galaxy is plunged into chaos, despair, slavery and hopelessness to the bending power of this Dominion. In that time, a rebel force rises to retake the hold of the galaxy. A Dominion turncoat learns about a project his parents worked on called "Emerald Tree," a secret which would destroy Dominion. Helping the rebels uncover the secret of this Emerald Tree, the rebels are taken through a period of searching for its meaning with the Dominion turncoat. In their quest, they uncover the power of Dominion and how the line between reality and illusion is drawn after learning how their role in all this has encompassed a big "cosmic game" being "played" by the source of Dominion's power, Igra Thor. The secret of the Emerald Tree is then realized with Igra Thor, just the same with each Spring, when trees grow their leaves back into "sparkling emeralds." It's about a change, a rebirth, and a renewing. Emerald Tree. <i>Can this be true of my life this year? Destruction into Rebirth. Transformed energy! Oblivion into Sustenance.</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"We know now what it is, but the knowledge comes too late for us.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I feel its power, an energy level beyond measuring.&nbsp;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Visible forms disappear but it's still here, holding us, using us, killing our will.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Don't come unless you can destroy it....</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>All dead. I am the last; I had to survive&nbsp;to tell the story.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Horrible, unspeakable terror, and power.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And, now you know the secret of this thing.</i><br /><i>It must be destroyed or Earth is doomed!</i><br /><i>The entire galaxy is doomed!"</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Captain Thomas Dwyer, Brewer Expedition</div><div style="text-align: center;">Secret of Dominion, Illusions Ep. 9</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">2018 Give Way! Last month was about <b>Release</b> (<a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2017/12/release.html">blog</a>), but this year might be about an <b>Emerald Tree</b>, not just about <b>Giving Way.</b> It's sort of my hope now with all that's happened this month already. <i>Damage then repairing and healing. Chaos into order! An Emerald Tree.</i>&nbsp;Release! Renew! By the way, if you have ever listened to the radio series, I'd like to believe that Igra Thor set up Dominion General Derrick to fail. Igra Thor was in charge of the game. "I control this game, General." I control my life with God's help. God is in control. Maybe I should revisit my faith.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdifLLw09DI/WmTohKaMHHI/AAAAAAABYDY/w9EA322mnBkTJv1bUPEJk5ZS9mefUQJ8gCLcBGAs/s1600/20180108_085542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdifLLw09DI/WmTohKaMHHI/AAAAAAABYDY/w9EA322mnBkTJv1bUPEJk5ZS9mefUQJ8gCLcBGAs/s640/20180108_085542.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A rough start to the new year in Chicago</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Advocate Illinois Medical Campus</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lake View, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">January 8, 2018</span></div><br /><b>Linger by The Cranberries</b><br /><i>It's just cornflakes.</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Disappointment.</i> Once again, I started a new year with disappointment. Every year since moving here, it seems a "friendship dissolves." This last one early this month made me re-evaluate the "meaningful relationships" goal I made in December. This one was a bitter ending. I let the person go. I let this person go not because of something he did to me, but how rude and insulting he was to two of my friends that I love and still live in Cleveland! It not only hurt both of them directly; it hurt me indirectly!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"No one looked as I walked by</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Just an invitation would have been just fine</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Said no to him again and again</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>First, he took my heart, then he ran</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>No one knows how I feel</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>What I say unless you read between my lines</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>One man walked away from me</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>First, he took my hand, take me home</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Stand back, stand back</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>In the middle of my room</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I did not hear from you</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>It's all right, it's all right</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>To be standing in a line</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Standing in a line</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I would cry."</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Dreams die hard.</i> So once again, I sit here and watch another relationship dissolve in the new year. Where do I even start here? How rude people here are in Chicago are? How possibly deluding myself 5 years that things would get better over time and this was my dream? Or just the fact I’m completely exhausted and burnt out from people here? Completely and utterly BURNT OUT! This year was greeted with yet another goodbye in my life; I had to watch yet another “friendship” dissolve. This was the catalyst, and this guy was a real ass for what he did (and not to me even). That marks four times each new year. I guess it’s me then. I’ve had an awful trend here being brushed off, pushed aside, overlooked, snubbed, forgotten and ignored. It’s becoming a daily occurrence, and it’s starting to annoy the crap out of me. Can’t trust anyone. My patience with people is incredibly short now. I used to be patient, polite and nice. I’d be lying to say that’s how I still am here. It’s hard and it really has hit me hardest with the turning of a new year here. Why? Because you get to a point in your life where enough is enough!!! It builds and you finally crack! Do I have to become an asshole just to get by and noticed? If I were to move away now to another state, I wouldn’t be leaving much here. A few, if not a couple friends or acquaintances…</div><br /><b>Stand Back by Stevie Nicks</b><br /><i>Do I leave Chicago?</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Am I whining?</i> No, I’m at my breaking point! I’ve deluded myself enough. Enough is enough! So that’s where I’m now! I don’t want to repeat another year of disappointment like this. Yeah, it could be worse? Someone is thinking it; If you could really experience how I feel about all this right now, maybe you’d understand. I’m at my breaking point and it’s gotten to nights of lost sleep, sinking into depression, aloof and alone in a big city. Do I move on? I really thought this is where God wanted me. Is it? I’ve always liked Montana. I went to Great Falls one year for work with a job. San Diego is nice because there are palm trees, an ocean and nicer weather. Back to Cleveland? At least I’d be back closer to family. I give up! I’ve had enough of the shit here. So if anything, right now, my heart is saying get the hell out! I don’t want to go through another year here in a big city ALONE! Tired of dissolving relationships every year here. Tired of the bullshit here. Dating here sucks as well. I’m 44!!! I shouldn’t have to have this problem at this age. I bought a nice suit today (I never owned one) and getting some photos done. It’s something to start with…</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uC-YsOAaCTI/WmTp8juRChI/AAAAAAABYDk/evDJhAPxe98OnhNMbZ9cA1XJ64jTA66ZgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_3647-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uC-YsOAaCTI/WmTp8juRChI/AAAAAAABYDk/evDJhAPxe98OnhNMbZ9cA1XJ64jTA66ZgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_3647-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Things were tipping over!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago Riverwalk</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Loop, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">January 5, 2018</span></div><br /><b>Everything is Debatable by Hellogoodbye</b><br /><i>Ice plunge off Wells Street Bridge</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>This past week, I hit my ultimate low here in Chicago; I mean ultimate low!</i> How do I even begin to describe the darkness that festered in my mind that evening? January 18, 2018. I already once had a semicolon in my life, does January19 mean another one? The new year started off alone and what's even worse is being in a group of people that make you alone. I thought about how hard it was to fit into group dynamics, being alone and all that just intensified over the course of the day. With all the disappointment with people, fitting in, the physical pain I'm in (I started new medicine the day before), and with all the heartache, I formed a dark plan of jumping off the Wells Street Bridge after work and ending it all. The wheels were turning until, finally, I got help from a friend here. He told me to get help NOW. So, the part of me that wanted to live triumphed and thrived victoriously. I called the suicide hotline; they put me on hold. Then, I just called 911. The ambulance came to the Mart to pick me up, and the humiliation of my night was about to begin.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I arrived at Northwestern Hospital about 7pm. They brought me in by wheelchair and stripped me down to my skivvies in a hospital robe. For 6 hours, I was not allowed to get up, use the bathroom, or move. Luckily, they let me have my phone so I could tell a few people where I as at. It was very humiliating. I was there with another patient, same as I. We both waited to be treated. It wasn't until just past midnight where they moved me upstairs to the ER. There, I waited again in room 7. Soon, a medical student came to talk to me about my evening. Awkward and uncomfortable, I tried my best to explain to him the whole evening. I didn't feel any better. Soon, the actual medical doctor came in to talk to me. He made me feel even more uncomfortable and awkward. I didn't think he was qualified to talk to me actually. I can spot fakeness right away.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G4D2A9GVu1w/WmTuoZEa9GI/AAAAAAABYDw/2Kpr3YUD55cSSJdDUjbm8PeDW9u0WphWwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180119_011359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G4D2A9GVu1w/WmTuoZEa9GI/AAAAAAABYDw/2Kpr3YUD55cSSJdDUjbm8PeDW9u0WphWwCLcBGAs/s320/20180119_011359.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"I was frozen there</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Paralyzed and floating in the air</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Or I thought</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>'Cause no one really knows</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I couldn't stop</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>So I wanted her</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>To feel the breeze</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Just blowing through the trees</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A ghost</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Of something in our love we don't yet know..."</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After the doctors wheeled me out of the room for another patient, again, I waited another 2 hours, not allowed to move, get up or whatever. They offered me food and drink but each time, but I declined. I was impatient, and wanted out. I'm not going to lie about that. Restless and irritable, surrounded by sick and injured people, it was starting to feel like Hell. So, if anything I learned that night, is how that factors in my faith and should I really be doing what I was going to do? After 2am, they wheeled me up to Crisis center where I put in a dark room with supervision. I was able to close my eyes and rest some. I must've dozed off because at 5am, I finally was able to meet the psychiatrist for an evaluation. <i>Next stop psych ward?</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The doctor was very cold and impersonal and this seemed more like a police interrogation and not an actual evaluation of my sanity, so I answered all the questions straight and without feeling, almost as if I were on trial for my life. "Do you think you feel better?" The doctor stated. I answered him, saying, "If there is anything I've learned about tonight is what Hell might be like, and it made me rethink my choice. I waited over 6 hours to be treated, immobile and like I was kept against my will. I learned my lesson and it made me rethink my life." His face, still cold and stoic, he clacked away at the keyboard. <i>Would I be released?</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">They wheeled me back into the dark corner and soon, I could leave. It was just after 6am. They brought my things back up to me: my clothes, backpack with my camera, work laptop, wallet, keys, and other stuff. After checking out, I hailed an Uber and went home. On the way home, I had to think about how to explain this all to my boss, and my reason for being late to work.</div><br />Is this really only cornflakes, or is there something else?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"You're having a hard time and lately you don't feel so good</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You're getting a bad reputation in your neighborhood</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>It's alright</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>It's alright</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Sometimes that's what it takes</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You're only human</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You're allowed to make your share of mistakes</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You better believe there will be times in your life</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>When you'll be feeling like a stumbling fool</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>So take it from me you'll learn more from your accidents</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Than anything that you could ever learn at school</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Don't forget your second wind</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Sooner or' later you'll get your second wind."</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_b-60tG26c/WmT4PaynYtI/AAAAAAABYEA/oskR_LDkTPMUgxQ6Os2KKfIFnI5SLAkhQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_3577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R_b-60tG26c/WmT4PaynYtI/AAAAAAABYEA/oskR_LDkTPMUgxQ6Os2KKfIFnI5SLAkhQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_3577.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dead River</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago Riverwalk</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Loop, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">January 5, 2018</span></div><br /><b>You're only human by Billy Joel</b><br /><i>Waiting for that second wind, January 19, 2018</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It was Friday. I called my boss when I got home. My boss said use the day to get help and to talk to someone. So, I did just that. He stressed "I want you healthy." I got a list of therapists from my insurance company and got a recommendation to try <i>Augustyn Family Services</i> in Ravenswood. Just a short walk from the Irving Park Brown Line stop. I called them after talking to my boss and had a phone interview with Katie Augustyn. She helped me talk about my problems and open up some and she set up a time to meet with one of the counselors on Saturday the 20th. She recommended talking to someone straight away. So, on Saturday, I met with one of the counselors and she helped me talk about my problems. The meeting was just a "release" session I think because she did more listening than offering a plan. I told her that I was panicking about my employment status on Monday and if I were still to have a job. She said my manager can't fire me for mental health issues. Still unsettled, I told her about all the other things that were troubling me.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5FCp8KLX1BU/WmT6oSNcN9I/AAAAAAABYEU/vcLGzX7onBYKfMaNOKwIewD9du7We4LTgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_20180119-173749_cut.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="1074" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5FCp8KLX1BU/WmT6oSNcN9I/AAAAAAABYEU/vcLGzX7onBYKfMaNOKwIewD9du7We4LTgCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot_20180119-173749_cut.png" width="312" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A familiar friend</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Albany Park, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">January 19, 2018</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">17:37</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-09hZSUJHW3M/WmT8z5kSnrI/AAAAAAABYEg/OnsOKRrSWLkip0waqeliLsC4D6FJXBoIACLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG0263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="903" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-09hZSUJHW3M/WmT8z5kSnrI/AAAAAAABYEg/OnsOKRrSWLkip0waqeliLsC4D6FJXBoIACLcBGAs/s320/IMAG0263.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Daring to Take the Stand</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sears Tower Ledge</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Loop, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">January 19, 2012</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJvyeSQKk5o/WmT9yb2P4XI/AAAAAAABYEw/6T7rrsFz-8MI9KHNAHOStJIWZcCx6mB8wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG0267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="903" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SJvyeSQKk5o/WmT9yb2P4XI/AAAAAAABYEw/6T7rrsFz-8MI9KHNAHOStJIWZcCx6mB8wCLcBGAs/s320/IMAG0267.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sears Tower elevator drops 2 floors</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Doors "open" on 101. Trapped!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sears Tower</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Loop, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">January 19, 2012</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I also used the time to talk to my folks and my friend Rich back in Cleveland. He has been the only real friendship I return to when life crumbles down around me. There. That's the issue here in Chicago. Back to the real problem. I moved here to start a new life and at first it's where I thought I needed to be to correct an issue from 1996? Things happening in my life would seem to suggest this, even the November 15th date, and even the 1973 day (September 23, 2017). What is it though? <i><b>WWWHHHYYY AAAAMMM IIII HHHEEERRREEEEEEEEEE???</b></i> Just 6 years earlier, I re-visited Chicago the first time since November 15, 1996. Why this day and why am I here? There has to be some reason! January 19, 2012 I was standing in the Sears Tower and looking out over a soon-to-be-home city. <i>Dare to take the Stand!</i> I even recall that very day when the elevator in the Sears Tower dropped 2 floors before the brakes halted the car from its plummeting doom. Also thinking about this, January 18, 2015 was my first Nikon d7000 shots from that same building! Yeah, sounds silly, right, but they seemed to fall on the same day. I seem to recall one blog here calling January 19 my "Me Day." I think I mentioned it <a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-resolution-in-high-definition.html">here</a>. Google and Facebook do this thing with "On this Day," and that's how I got these photos, and sometimes helpful, these features make you think about your life sometimes. Once again, I was doing just that on that January 19, 2018, after my boss told me to talk to someone.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nIlyLvWzYgU/WmT9Tk7NAVI/AAAAAAABYEo/98B_xHpeqPIUkscpjsYP9xSTH5ixDX5UACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0297ps_lrip1-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nIlyLvWzYgU/WmT9Tk7NAVI/AAAAAAABYEo/98B_xHpeqPIUkscpjsYP9xSTH5ixDX5UACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0297ps_lrip1-w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The birth of my Nikon d7000</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A death. Last shots with the Nikon d70</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sears Tower</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Loop, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">January 18, 2015</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>This day 2015, The birth to my love in photography came back to me.</i> Without making a connection to 2012, I was once again in the Sears Tower. My Nikon d70 broke! A death. Also, I had just gone through yet another start of a year watching yet another friendship dissolve. <i>Actually, I lost 3 friendships that January.</i> So, I thought on this. What exactly is the issue here? Can I truly be myself and accepted here? Do people finally show their true colors after time? Once I show my colors I guess I'm the problem too? When I was talking to the counselor on Saturday, I mentioned to her one of my problems here in Chicago. I'm always last in; this is even true with jobs. <i>In novissimis...</i></div><br /><b><i>Problem 2018: "I'm always last in!"</i></b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This is my problem here in Chicago. I explained this to her meaning with groups, crowds or cliques. Everyone before me is already well-established in their group. This problem first surfaced in 2013 even. So a lot of times, being last in, you don't truly get in, understand the group dynamic, the affinity towards each other and even the jokes. It makes you feel left out and alone. I recall that New Year's Eve 2014 at a person's apartment to celebrate the new year. That was just it. I was on the outside, looking in, and I was left out. There it is; that was recently. That was the trigger on Thursday night after work. That was why I thought the icy Chicago River jump from Wells Street Bridge was the way out. No more pain, no more being alone, no more disappointment. I'm here now though; it's Sunday, January 21. Talking to the counselor, she suggested meeting with her more than twice a week just so I can get back on track emotionally. She did a lot of listening, asking me about my current life, how I was panicking about my employment status now, asking about my childhood life and other things. She said to meet next Wednesday after work to recap and form a plan for health. I told her that my boss told me "maybe going back home [to Cleveland] is what I need to do to relieve stress." I told her this is what made me unsettled about losing my job. She said he can't do that. She said it sounds like he cares, especially when I told her he wants me to be "healthy." It also was referring to taking a leave of absence. She said not to read into it. I agreed with her, saying yes, he does care a whole lot about the entire team. So she said don't read into it then.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Illusions... Appearance and disappearance.&nbsp;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Damage then repair and healing. It's Emerald Tree!"</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I told my manager on Friday that I would come back to work Monday "refreshed." Maybe this year is about harnessing a power of an "emerald tree," the transforming of my life into something new with "repair and healing." Maybe my life is being tormented and tortured by a stranglehold of chaos. It was good to listen the "Secret of Dominion" series again in my MP3 player this month and recapture the love of the series, but also using it to look at my life now. I don't know what Monday will be like but I've panicked about it. Maybe it's no mistake I recalled this radio series this month and enjoyed listening to it once again, and possibly making a connection to it and "an emerald tree."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eA1qposMADg/WmUSSXhcNtI/AAAAAAABYFM/f_GR-EZTib0IWVFl7OHABrOecqI9Kqe0ACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_7392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eA1qposMADg/WmUSSXhcNtI/AAAAAAABYFM/f_GR-EZTib0IWVFl7OHABrOecqI9Kqe0ACEwYBhgL/s640/DSC_7392.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">John Hancock's Porch</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Reflecting on my purpose in this City</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gold Coast, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">February 12, 2017</span></div><br /><b>Rule the World (Stardust's Theme) by Take That</b><br /><i>Finding my balance. A star, so bright, you blind me.</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">2018 Give Way! Some changes have already started happening this month, including new meetups to try out, getting photos of myself, and starting eHarmony with a new profile which someone helped me with. I also started new medication for my auto-immune disease. <i>It's Emerald Tree.</i> I also spent a couple weekends cleaning out my apartment; I'm probably going to try one more year in the city. From there? I don't know yet. I threw 7 bags of garbage out, cleaned kitchen bedroom, and bathroom. I also tackled cleaning the living room and laundry nook. I'm going through old clothes and old electronic stuff for donating and eRecycle or eTrash. It felt good and I was proud of myself after that overhaul. It's something. It's a start somewhere with the onset of a disappointing start to a new year. Even years have never been friendly to me overall. 2014 was a tough year similar to how this one started. Oddly enough, the one meetup I came across happened this weekend after the January 19th day. The meetup name was "Don't leave Chicago!" Huh! Interesting how I got it after that. So, I signed up for it, and already connected with the organizer.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">After letting a person go this month, he was a photographer that I would usually go to for advice and help. That no longer is an option as far as I'm concerned and after the incident that hurt two dear friends of me, I couldn't even look at his stuff anymore which included pictures he took of me. I deleted all those and where they were being used: work, business, and casual.&nbsp; When someone who I thought was a friend attacks people very dear to me, that's a big issue that I can't ignore, and that's why I deleted the photos. I don't have that. No sir. An attack on people dear to me, is an attack on me. I lost sleep the one night because I was so upset. Sadly BUT gladly, it made me see two things which I added as goals for 2018. December I worked on goals and my blog. So, sticking with my theme -- Give Way -- for 2018, I "gave way" to assist, because I love these people and I learned recently also "give way" is sacrificial love.</div><br /><i>1.&nbsp; "Who is worth my time and effort? Who do I take with me into the New Year? Who do I let go? Find meaningful relationships."</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>2. "Eric R Chatham is a brand name."</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YsNyCEpiz80/WmUY1pm-2GI/AAAAAAABYFg/EcpnlHbwpn0twOoHfTvG3e_tGb_kRfhRQCLcBGAs/s1600/eharmony.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="960" height="492" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YsNyCEpiz80/WmUY1pm-2GI/AAAAAAABYFg/EcpnlHbwpn0twOoHfTvG3e_tGb_kRfhRQCLcBGAs/s640/eharmony.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Using new photos of myself</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bauwerks Studio</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jovanka Novakovic</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bucktown, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">January 12, 2018</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">2018 Give Way! In an effort to get more noticed with my photography, I learned something from this falling out. Sometimes our extreme views, politics, and our attitude reflects on us and our business. I connected these people to help them both out with their networking and because the interest in his work. The attacking "friend" lost a potential customer and some networking because of what he did.&nbsp; Not only did he lose out there, he lost out in taste. I couldn't stomach his photography after that incident. His extreme political views and attitude reflected on his photography and he lost. So, in the new year, my name is a brand that people buy. They're not only buying my photography; they're buying ME. My friend Rich and I discussed #shutterfest2018 and attending. I told him I wasn't sure about that yet.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qhEhTQNuzXI/WmaNyhnZnAI/AAAAAAABYHo/KhSMWOxyjSQxOJLu6bFereDesVXHoc6LwCLcBGAs/s1600/Eric_Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qhEhTQNuzXI/WmaNyhnZnAI/AAAAAAABYHo/KhSMWOxyjSQxOJLu6bFereDesVXHoc6LwCLcBGAs/s640/Eric_Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photographer: Jovanka Novakovic</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bucktown, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bauwerks Studio</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2475 N. Clybourn Avenue</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago, IL 60614</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">At Au Bon Pain for lunch break in the Mart one day, the woman behind counter, unexpectedly says to me, <i>"Bring those beautiful brown eyes to the front of the line."</i> It made me feel good and it brightened my day. I didn't expect it and it was nice to here. On January 12, I went to Bauwerks Studios in Bucktown to meet with photographer, Jovanka Novakovic. She took new photos of me; they were photos I could use in business profiles like work and casual profiles like eHarmony. She took over 50 photos of me and she helped me widdle through the photos narrow down the favorites. I <i>hate</i> looking at pictures of myself and I most especially hate the word "selfie!" After I got two photos back from the lot, I used the one, and I had help on my eHarmony profile from a trusted woman. I put confidence into the fact that she was idyllic of a woman I was looking for in a relationship, "strong, iron-willed, stubborn, and resilient," a real woman as far as I'm concerned. I told her that there needs to be a "recommendation" section on these sites like LinkedIn, where friends can comment on the person. Why? <i>I hate writing about myself because everyone hast their own opinion of me; I can't make that for anyone. The Chicago Water Tower has always been my favorite landmark in the city. Due to its stature of resilience after the Great Chicago Fire, it symbolizes rebirth and resilience. <b>An Emerald Tree!</b></i><br /><i><b><br /></b></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAgIo1ExqlA/WmUur3pP10I/AAAAAAABYGg/lJl94c8_5awU47pVtm2keU7j-4Tgs72nQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_3369-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1061" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IAgIo1ExqlA/WmUur3pP10I/AAAAAAABYGg/lJl94c8_5awU47pVtm2keU7j-4Tgs72nQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_3369-2.jpg" width="424" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago Water Tower</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago resilience!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gold Coast, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">December 29, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Healing by Iona</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>There is healing</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>2018 Give Way!</i></b> Here is a list of my goals for 2018. I am hoping I keep up with them.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">• "Can't. Can't? Can." The power of the Cross. Dive deeper in faith. 2017 version of this goal smacked me in the face this past summer. Calm the storms in my life, Lord. 2017 was filled with a lot of anxiety and disbelief. This goal came into effect in a Small Group while diving into the book of Romans in October. Thanks Zac Coleman, Michael Lawrence and Jeff Korhorn!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">• "Snubbed? Brushed off? Meekly stand out." Endeavor to find deep meaningful relationships, and people worth your time and effort. If it means eliminating a lot of people from your life, do it. This one ties in with "Identity Rescue." I've already taken measure to keeping those loved ones in my life but letting the other "clutter" go. Thanks Karen Sobolewski ... again!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">• "Stop setting a goal to find love. It's out there." It's taken 11 seasons of X-Files for Mulder and Scully to get the truth and they still don't have it all. I will be signing up for the full membership on eHarmony but I need to stop making it goal. This almost sounds like a conundrum of a goal, but I know how I see it in my head lol. Thanks Shannon Kuehn!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">• "A smile kills a thousand ills." Volunteer. Help. Grace. Mercy. Charity. Sometimes, even a warm smile brightens someone's day. This one speaks for itself. In my search to find my purpose and meaning in Chicago, it starts with a smile. Thanks Therie Yi-Shin Lai ... again!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">• "Identity Rescue." With Identity Theft this year, this involves many things. Stop being in crowds of people that make you alone. Not only does this reflect on my own identity theft in October, but also with who I am as a person and the 2017 goal about resilience. Thanks fellow INFJs, Chris Johnson and Tim Fargo!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">• "Location. Location" Do I move back to Waterfall Glen or stay in the city? The awful neighbors I once had are not a problem now. So question now; stay or leave? Thanks New Neighbor, Steve London, Keller-Williams Realty, Silver Property Group!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">• "Forgiveness. Take a chance and move on." There are still a lot of people I need to forgive, but that doesn't mean resuming a previous friendship or relationship. My Mom and I discussed this over Christmas. Thanks Mom!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">• "We are VelocityEHS." This goal covers job success, health and vitality. It's a subset of my career goals with VelocityEHS. My company has very humanistic goals, the only company I've worked with that has goals that make sense as a human being and common sense, not just for a company but in everyday life! "Be humble" and "Choose simple" are two I'm pulling out of there to focus on the most. Thanks VelocityEHS!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">• "In a twinkling of the shutter." Shutterfest with Rich. Photography. Continue on with landscaping and portrait shoots. Develop (no pun intended) business relationships, find ways to market, sell my photography, and start a new FB page strictly for photography contacts and clients. "Eric R. Chatham" is a brand name. Make it one! Thanks Richard Trigg.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">• "To thine own self be true." 2017 was a year of doctors and health issues. Not only continue with a healthy lifestyle of exercise, dieting, weight loss, but becoming a better coach to my health issues and autoimmune disease. Thanks Dr Kenneth Gong and Dr Jang-Mi Johnson!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PlPLZEyHl0c/WmUaS-UHq5I/AAAAAAABYFs/G0lR0aCct3c_O4IgEAMTuEsvob1DGji6ACLcBGAs/s1600/20140927_172303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PlPLZEyHl0c/WmUaS-UHq5I/AAAAAAABYFs/G0lR0aCct3c_O4IgEAMTuEsvob1DGji6ACLcBGAs/s640/20140927_172303.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mom and Dad visit me in Chicago!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Albany Park, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">September 27, 2014</span></div><br /><b>American Pie by Don McLean</b><br />January 15, 1972. Happy 46th Anniversary.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">2018 Give Way! January 15, 1972. American Pie was top on the music charts that day, but it celebrated something more special between two people I love in my life! Happy 46th anniversary Mom and Dad. I love you. I wasn't raised in a wealthy family. Both my parents worked, my Dad multiple jobs. My Mom worked to help supplement the income. Our wealth came in their love, patience and long-suffering. Though we didn't have a wealth of money, we had an abundance of love, discipline and self-sacrifice! For that, this is the family I'm proud to be part of, the family I'm thankful I was raised in. Why? Well simply because it's taught me how to be a better human being in a selfish world. It has also taught me respect, courtesy and earning it through hard work and discipline! I'm a proud Gen-Xer because of that. ❤️🎶</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The day music died...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"A long long time ago</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I can still remember how</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>That music used to make me smile</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And I knew if I had my chance</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>That I could make those people dance</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And maybe they'd be happy for a while..."</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uNSw7RV3n8k/WmUePG2IC2I/AAAAAAABYGA/Us8ssSquphQK7FUJshwr6mH-2I9el-_pQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_3453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uNSw7RV3n8k/WmUePG2IC2I/AAAAAAABYGA/Us8ssSquphQK7FUJshwr6mH-2I9el-_pQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_3453.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Finding warmth at Kimball</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">CTA Kimball Brown Line Station</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Albany Park, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">December 29, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>It's a Beautiful Day by U2</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Finding an Emerald Tree in the New Year</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">2018 Give Way! Thank you for reading my blog this month. It's my hope that "an emerald tree" emerges from the damage in my life this year. I need "repair and healing." The past five years have been about disappointment. Damage. I've tried to make friendships and relationships here. It's not been easy at all. I'm completely burnt out, but with the passing of January 19, 2018, maybe I'll be "given a second chance not to waste." I hope I captured that in this blog for the month. I just write what happens in my life. I don't plan it. I don't know what tomorrow will be like. I'm panicking and I hope things heal with talking to a new therapist and looking for another church this month. Will things improve this year in my life? Will I be first somewhere instead of being last in? Who knows? I hope...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>I hope...</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>See you again this year...</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>I was just reminded of this poem I wrote in 2013.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>"...And, sitting there over a vast Lake on a cliff up so high</i><br /><i>Amidst a grand forest of weeping willows;</i><br /><i>"Do I fall and drown?&nbsp; Do I spiral downward to my doom?"</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>"No. Watch the Willow Trees," the Wind speaks to me;</i><br /><i>It blows through them and they stretch forth towards me,</i><br /><i>Forcing me away from my terminal End;</i><br /><i>"Now, listen to the Willows as they speak of our refreshing wind,</i><br /><i>A breeze of a new hope and future to your ears," said the Wind;</i><br /><i>"Listen close to their call, they whisper the name 'Chicago,'</i><br /><i>And they remind you of your past. 'Remember of that Day long ago?</i><br /><i>Look past it.&nbsp; This now and here is your destined promise,' they tell of you.</i><br /><i>'Do this well and to a victorious and expected End.'"</i><br /><i>Flailing about their majestic branches of the Wind were their lively leaves,</i><br /><i>threads of dreams and tomorrow, and they reached out to embrace me;&nbsp;</i><br /><i></i><br /><i>Then there was I; and, only I remain."</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>My Chicago Poem.</i><br /><i>And, Only I shall remain.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>An Emerald Tree? A Weeping Willow? Is it the same thing? Only the year will tell...</i><br /><i>2018 Give Way!</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">NOTEWORTHY OF WORTHY NOTES</span></b><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Saying Farewell to a beautiful voice this year! Delores O'Riordan of The Cranberries.</b>&nbsp;I will miss this beautiful voice. Let's keep Stevie Nicks longer!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KMPtQBPFQsM/WmUiIJ4556I/AAAAAAABYGQ/iPADKtYM77oIsViKOOVoHxsBlIOP9iCngCLcBGAs/s1600/dolores-o-riordan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="660" height="358" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KMPtQBPFQsM/WmUiIJ4556I/AAAAAAABYGQ/iPADKtYM77oIsViKOOVoHxsBlIOP9iCngCLcBGAs/s640/dolores-o-riordan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>January 15, 2018, <a href="http://www.tmz.com/2018/01/21/cranberries-dolores-oriordan-public-reposal-open-coffin-mourned-ireland/">TMZ</a>.</i> Dolores O'Riordan was mourned by hundreds this weekend in her native Ireland during an open coffin public reposal -- where bystanders said goodbye to the Cranberries singer.<br /><br />Dolores' body was on display Sunday at St. Joseph's Church, where mourners flocked to pay their respects to the Irish rock star. The casket remained open, and some fans reportedly said she looked "at peace" ... according to the Irish Times.<br /><br />Her mother and six siblings were in attendance, and her Cranberries bandmates left a floral tribute beside her coffin which read ... "The song has ended, but the memories linger on."</div><br /><hr /><br /><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RicChatham1013"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPP6SRT8mfY/URSDP7VGspI/AAAAAAAALO4/tkmLnmNM8s4/s1600/facebook-icon-25px.gif" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://plus.google.com/+EricChatham/"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eosiN9hkL1g/UwA97lziHzI/AAAAAAAAc_w/8mSg7Jb73LY/s1600/gplus-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://foursquare.com/user/29100101"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZmjRClf0XA/URSDWIlhFFI/AAAAAAAALPA/sDAblL-jdTc/s1600/foursquare-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ericrchatham"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LwcLDEwkQk/URSDdp6ss-I/AAAAAAAALPI/-aLb0I_PiFE/s1600/linked-icon-25px.gif" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.shekinya.net/"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7C2KjSQbMI/URSDkVeoieI/AAAAAAAALPQ/7BUwkwqwWII/s1600/shekinya-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/anelfinphile"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-euhpUUCymoM/URSDp6hhrqI/AAAAAAAALPY/FGYa3-Ml9AU/s1600/you-tube-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.sports-tracker.com/#/view_profile/echatham1013"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv3iS_Rf2Qc/URSIbJOWvYI/AAAAAAAALQQ/sljM9cUtrgs/s1600/sports-tracker-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.meetup.com/VentureAround/"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZcaiMdS57A/UXHteVWaJPI/AAAAAAAAOkA/xhbVgYpnHMI/s1600/meetupicon.png" /></a></td> </tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;;">Connect to me elsewhere at your own risk.</span></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;;">FOUNDATIONAL BLOGS</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: small;"><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-life-starts-at-water-tower-in-chicago.html">My Life starts at the Chicago Water Tower!</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/mark-0000-last-0-is-for-time-parameter.html">Mark 0, 0, 0, 0. The last 0 is for the time parameter</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/10/keeping-train-of-thought-and-keeping-on.html">Keeping a train of thought and keeping on track.</a></span>Eric Chathamhttps://plus.google.com/103180783527067419905noreply@blogger.com0Chicago, IL 60625, USA41.9711068 -87.70248170000002141.947496300000005 -87.74282220000002 41.9947173 -87.662141200000022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877632834855922254.post-29202882734708001602017-12-31T09:26:00.000-06:002018-01-15T22:50:04.225-06:00Release!<b>2017 The Destination is There!</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SwYpQpRp_NA/Wkj_6oOwstI/AAAAAAABXic/TbFTUZKlw0ETB0KJ7xBtPEau5fBt72vuACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_2899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SwYpQpRp_NA/Wkj_6oOwstI/AAAAAAABXic/TbFTUZKlw0ETB0KJ7xBtPEau5fBt72vuACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_2899.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The lone pine endures!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Christmas Day on Kuder Road</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hinckley OH</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">December 25, 2017</span></div><br /><b>We Didn't Start The Fire by Billy Joel</b><br /><i>Final Destination... 2018! Give Way.</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Happy December everyone. Release! <i>From asteroids, solar flares, the solar eclipse, black sky events, destructive forest fires, The Mothman in Chicago, N. Korea, hurricanes, David Meade, the end of the world and Revelation 12 sign, Day 1973 (for me), Equifax breach, Iwannacry Ransomware, Hurricane Ophelia, down to identity theft and even my lousy neighbors, we're all still here.</i> 2017 was a ominous, foreboding and dreadful year. If I were to sum up this whole year in one word, it would be "anxious." Final Destination? 2018. I made it. This was a tough year emotionally and mentally. Not so much physically. This year was also a challenge for my health and I had so many doctor visits this year. Inasmuch it was a year learning some lessons and how to look at next year. I chose "release" for the title of the blog because I want 2018 to be a release from all the anxiety and worry I have now; world events, spiritual things, faith and life in general. I want to let go of that and make things better next year than 2017. I also chose release as the title because it ties in with my England trip and the "Children of the Stones" story. Just as Matthew and Adam were trapped in the stone circle, their fate weighed on the release of the stones back to the present time. So, they too were looking for release from their anxiety and fears...<br /><i><br /></i><i>"Leave? What do you mean leave? Leave the circle? Leave Milbury? Leave? Leave the stones? You never will. Nobody leaves the circle. Wherever you go; the Avenue, the Sanctuary, the Barrow, never get away from the stones. Never get beyond their sight, boy. Never out of their grasp. Nobody ever leaves the circle. Not until the day of release." Dai, the Barber-Surgeon. Children of the Stones.</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5C78mCs-SYw/WlFSJrVk11I/AAAAAAABXyA/SZbNJXNcPucRqtswCuQr41bQZi6NZHPBwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5C78mCs-SYw/WlFSJrVk11I/AAAAAAABXyA/SZbNJXNcPucRqtswCuQr41bQZi6NZHPBwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0369.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The crooked High Street through center of Avebury</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Beckhampton Road</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Red Lion Pub</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Avebury, Wiltshire UK&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 11, 2017</span></div><br /><b>Full Circle in Children of the Stones</b><br /><i>Avebury: The Day of Release</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>"We hit a sarsen, there was stone in the middle of the road... I think it was simpler than that. I think we lost our way. No. not geographically. I think we missed the turning, the time turning. We failed to get through to our present time." Adam Brake, after trying to escape Milbury, the first time. (Squaring the Circle, Children of the Stones).</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>What really happened that day...</i><br /><i>And I drove the same route as the characters, when I visited Avebury during my England trip...</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>I wrote this paraphrase from the TV series. This was not from a book. I wanted to illustrate not only my "vacation connection" but the onset of my own year 2017, and the tying in of my Chicago-versary Day.</i><br /><br />"<a href="https://youtu.be/SkPDiSwOR2c?t=21m23s">Professor Brake</a> and his son leave the safety of the Sanctuary at the end of the Avenue in Milbury. They had encountered Dai there as he reprised his role of Barber-Surgeon. Adam thought intimately of Margaret and the thought of missing her, but his mind was set on leaving Milbury to escape the fate of the stones.<br /><br />Adam and Matthew make their way back to the cottage. Adam checks the car for damage, having once lost the battle against the stones, and attempting to leave Milbury once before. The stones blocked their escape previously, but there surprisingly was not one dent on their vehicle, like the accident never had happened. They both shrug, get in the car, and drive off towards the edge of the stone circle in Milbury. As they drive by the stones, they are both overcome with wonder, great fear and doubt. Anxiety fills them as they ponder their escape and the doom of the stones. Have they foiled the stones? They continue to drive off, passing by each stone of the circle with eager anticipation of their release! Matthew hoped that Dai was telling the truth about the stones letting them go. They feared the worst as they approached the rim of the stone circle. Would they be released? Or would they be trapped forever in Milbury? They hoped their destination would take them back to the present time out of the awful time trap of the stone circle. Final Destination? Uncertain as they drive toward the circle's outer rim.<br /><br />Soon, they pass by the Avenue, catatonic with a paralyzing fear. <i>This is it. This is the edge of the stone circle</i>, Adam thought. <i>Will we be released? </i>Gripping tightly on the steering wheel with desperation, Adam gazed intently at each stone they passed. Would they be free?<br /><br />They continue on passing the start of the Avenue, until amazingly, they break free of the stones grasp, and their hold on time! The stones release them, number 54 and number 55, the two that had tricked the stones. They drive safely outside the stone circle of Milbury. Both Matthew and Adam let out a huge sigh of relief and park outside the town, well away from the edge of the stone circle and the Avenue. They exit the car and look back at the quaint, sleepy town with intrigue. It was as if the trap never even happened, but they were safe and sound. Destination? They arrive in present time.<br /><br />'Did it happen?' Matthew asks. 'Or didn't it?'<br /><br />'I don't know Matt,' Adam replied with a certain perplexity. 'I just don't know.'<br /><br />Matthew spoke up with an answer to his father's perplexity. 'Perhaps there's another circle besides the stones.'<br /><br />Wondering what that possibly could be, Adam wonders, 'What?'<br /><br />'Time!' Matthew states assuredly. 'Perhaps that's circular too.'<br /><br />Realizing the truth of it, having been stuck in the time trap and thinking back to Dai's initial warning to them, Adam adds, 'you mean it might all happen again one day?'<br /><br />Matthew shrugged with agreement. 'It might already be happening again to the people in the time trap.'<br /><br />Agreeing with his son, Adam jokingly responds, 'Do you want to go back and find out?'<br /><br />Soon, they both drive off out of the sleepy village of Milbury. Final Destination? Onto the present time, free of the entrapping Milbury stones. Shortly thereafter, the stones would greet another traveler and the time loop would begin again. The Brakes successfully made it outside the loop before it would start again, and ensnaring those that live inside the circle."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ExV8zODIOBM/Wkqfdv42CgI/AAAAAAABXk4/l5WYz7WdMGseVKv-sA2T2tpqIekfgSDUQCEwYBhgL/s1600/imageedit_6_8161972321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="789" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ExV8zODIOBM/Wkqfdv42CgI/AAAAAAABXk4/l5WYz7WdMGseVKv-sA2T2tpqIekfgSDUQCEwYBhgL/s640/imageedit_6_8161972321.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Busy holiday shoppers Downtown</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Magnificent Mile</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">December 29, 2017</span></div></div><br /><b>Circle by 65dBA</b><br /><i>Where do I start?</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-style: italic;">2017 The Destination is There. Final Destination... 2018. 2018 Give Way! It's my turn now!</i> I picked the theme specifically for my life now, and I have my England Trip to thank for that. In all honesty, I'm not ready to do a new year and I really don't have the will power now.&nbsp;<span style="text-align: justify;">First off. I'm putting this here. Now. </span><span style="text-align: justify;">2018 Give way!</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> I'M NOT PUTTING UP WITH PEOPLE'S SHIT NEXT YEAR! Give Way is the theme I picked for next year. So, I've questioned myself with that theme. I have my England Trip to thank for this one.</span><br /><br />So, who "gives way?" Me? You? Whoever? They? I think there is a balance that needs to be maintained here. Many times in life, I have struggled with being brushed off, ignored or pushed aside. This year has taught me a lot about people ... and my 5 years in Chicago! Who do I want to enter the new year with? Who do I not want in the new year with me? Many times I drop what I'm doing to help others ... not that I don't mind helping out, but when the time comes when I'm down in the pits, most times I'm alone. Why is this a big issue? It's not reciprocated and unrequited. I give way. People that always crave the center of attention (which hardly deserve) make me sick. I don't want that, but there needs to be a balance. I've always tried to keep one in my life with people and life. This goal in 2017 was made this past January...</div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;"><i>2017 Goal: "Stop being snubbed or ignored! You may think this is a selfish goal, but really it isn't. I never stand out and I'm often brushed aside, ignored and forgotten. Far too often in my life, this has been a serious problem, and I never do anything about it. Some people in my life get FAR too much praise, attention and adoration than they actually deserve, including cohorts, friends and family. So, meekly stand out."</i></blockquote><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This year this goal had some success ... but not much. This next year, I'm keeping the goal but you know what? My TRIAL period with people in my life here is over now. The people that matter, stay; the people I care about the most, stay; the people that help me, stay; the people I help out, stay. The rest? Give way! It's my turn now. This is a bold goal and theme I think.This year, I can't tell you how many times I was let down by people when needing help with my photography (with exception to one person, CJ)! In an effort to get more focus on portrait photography, this was a big let down this year. Chicago has not only taught me resilience, but also how rude people are here. I'm not putting up with that next year! The TRIAL period is over. The few times I went out on my own with my photography (fire jams or whatever), those same people snidely told me and scolded why I didn't make it a group effort ... or worse try holding me back to succeed! Not this next year! I also stopped hosting meetups this year. If you know me, you know I don't go with the crowd or loathe cliques.</div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i></i><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><i>2018 Goal: "Snubbed? Brushed off? Meekly stand out." Endeavor to find deep meaningful relationships, and people worth your time and effort. If it means eliminating a lot of people from your life, do it.</i></i></div><i></i></blockquote><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I've already taken action on this, eliminating people that don't matter in my life, here in social media, life, and even family. So, is this a hateful thing? NO! It's moving on without you. BYE!<br /><i><br /></i><i>Tabula Rasa 2018. Give Way!</i> This is going to take a lot of work; I have to START over again and have a base. It's really tough here. I'm trying my best but in the five years here back in Chicago, there have been many disappointments and let downs. Most times, I end up by myself trying to figure stuff out and I'm just sick of being the last person. So, again, balance. Next year, the see saw goes the other way. Those people that crave the center of attention or get all the praise, I will STARVE that. I already have started doing that THIS year.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VlTMURqIl4s/Wk1t_OnLLuI/AAAAAAABXlM/RxLaDYWTJKceRxDASQnUkNd42HbNajeswCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VlTMURqIl4s/Wk1t_OnLLuI/AAAAAAABXlM/RxLaDYWTJKceRxDASQnUkNd42HbNajeswCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0610.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The town of Avebury, Wiltshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Center of the Stone Circle</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Avebury, Wiltshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 12, 2017</span></div></div><br /><b>Don't Stand So Close To Me by The Police</b><br />Destination England.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">In October of this year, I went to England for vacation. It was a fun trip and, most notably, I had to learn to drive on English roads. Give way! So, the question I've been asking myself since I made the theme is "who is giving way? Am I, or are they?" I really can't answer that question but I'd like to say it goes both ways depending on the situation or where I'm at in my life for 2018. I set a goal this year to "stop being snubbed ... meekly stand out." I think that plays a factor in the theme, but also I made a goal for "grace ... mercy" too. So I guess if anything "give way" goes both ways. There needs to be a balance. I thought it was a nice touch. Originally I was going to go with "the battleground is in the heart" but I think the English "yield" suits best for my current life.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It has a nice English touch to it, because there it's "give way" not "yield" like here in the US. This what I take that to mean: "Yield indicates to me slow down stupid, look what is going on around you and act accordingly. But the term Give Way says to me, be nice give the other vehicle their way. My whole life I thought Yield meant slow down and caution, not according to Webster. Means produces or provides: to relinquish one's possessions; to surrender; to give way." With things going on in my life now, I think this plays into what next year will be for me. I have my English vacation to thank for that.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--epHZZSsaLY/Wi1mb9TCDqI/AAAAAAABWzg/YpYtuFc0C5APAgw1Uy7zZg_wkk366ZXegCLcBGAs/s1600/x-files-love-cengothic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1124" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--epHZZSsaLY/Wi1mb9TCDqI/AAAAAAABWzg/YpYtuFc0C5APAgw1Uy7zZg_wkk366ZXegCLcBGAs/s400/x-files-love-cengothic.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This year was a big challenge but I'm happy to see all my goals have had some success to them. Looking back at them, there are a few that I didn't achieve: Love and Landmark Forum. I've gone back to the love goal and redone it this way for 2018: <i>"Stop setting a goal to find love. It's out there."</i>&nbsp;I'm putting this here because I've decided to go full blown eHarmony finally next year. It's in my budget. Yeah some of us have those. My goal is to stop finding it but if you'll note even Mulder and Scully never got the truth after 10 seasons and season 11 airs in January. It never hurts to fully subscribe to eHarmony. If anything, I'm just tired of the disappointment and rejection with that part of my life where I'm very empty and dry in. So give way, love is out there.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N26kST9XyaI/WlAeH15bDXI/AAAAAAABXsw/oO7j6roAlWku9ndsrnaSQRch8OlrT1n2QCLcBGAs/s1600/cantcantcan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N26kST9XyaI/WlAeH15bDXI/AAAAAAABXsw/oO7j6roAlWku9ndsrnaSQRch8OlrT1n2QCLcBGAs/s320/cantcantcan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Beginning next year, it's time to make some changes to my general audience in social media with the new year coming up. Who really matters in my life at this point? Who is worth my effort and my time? I'm exhausted between trying to make friends here and feeling important. Just so exhausted! With this next year, I'm putting hope on, and sharpening my faith. Apparently, "giving way" also is a charitable act, agape (Greek word for charity), so this ties in with my 2018 goal "Can't! Can't? Can!" This goal coincided with a talk with a member of one of the small groups I was going to for <b><i>Destination Church</i></b> this Fall. He said, "don't under estimate the power of the cross." I later found this sketch in someone's social media site and made me come up with the name of the actual goal.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nufsoC1cHvs/WlAhDmTS5NI/AAAAAAABXs8/AjO6mAchpwk5owgq8k0DIAyvqI1hvN0wACLcBGAs/s1600/23561770_381199272320141_5584255019155223362_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="575" height="475" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nufsoC1cHvs/WlAhDmTS5NI/AAAAAAABXs8/AjO6mAchpwk5owgq8k0DIAyvqI1hvN0wACLcBGAs/s640/23561770_381199272320141_5584255019155223362_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Getting the <i>semicolon tattoo</i> this year also made me rethink my purpose here in Chicago. At one of the small groups, we all gave a testimony. It was around the time I got the semicolon tattoo. When it was my turn, I told the story about my November 15th Chicago-versary and how that impacted and motivated me see God's awesomeness. Psalm 139 was a common theme in my life with September 23, the day doomsayers (like David Meade) said was the end of the world. Not mainly because of that, but how that day coincided with 1,973 days I was back in Chicago. Why that number? That's the year of my BIRTH not the day of an END, a beginning. So when I talked about my dark day, November 14, 2011 and "ASC," or after semicolon, I thought about two people in my life; one friend of mine here in Chicago committed suicide in March, earlier in the year. It hit me hard when I got the news; for days I didn't know how to process it, having been through this myself in my life. Then, I thought of my Uncle, my Mom's brother, and how he shot himself. So, it got me praying about my purpose here in Chicago, and between the 1973rd day and the unraveling of November 15th occurence in my life, there is some big reason I'm here in Chicago. I'm hoping in 2018 Give Way that I find that. It might relate to helping others with depression, dark thoughts, anxiety or the sort. I still don't know. So, "Can't, can't, can" is part of this goal.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">A YEAR IN REVIEW...</span></b></div><br /><b>It's Time by Imagine Dragons</b><br /><i>Recapping the 2017 Goals</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hIRNH1-0IAA/Wjqi06D7ojI/AAAAAAABW9M/rhjetNXW-O8gEHNtHGWuc_C7630bZuKrgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_6453-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="209" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hIRNH1-0IAA/Wjqi06D7ojI/AAAAAAABW9M/rhjetNXW-O8gEHNtHGWuc_C7630bZuKrgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_6453-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The year of the rooster! The year started off with an illness and it's been a rough year with doctors and medicine. One reason I chose release as the title for the blog is due to the pain I've experienced this year. It's not been a fun year with that especially recently. That hasn't stopped me from doing the needful; work, activities and enjoying the year. Starting January, I was actively working on my goals and thinking back to the past years.&nbsp; In 2016, A Letter From The Front, I came up with The Destination is There for my theme this year (<a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-destination-is-there.html">February</a> blog). It's been the focus of this year and little did I know how some of the goals I set would later smack me in the face. Even now, as I type this blog I'm just amazed at how important some of these goals were to my life this year. My hope is to continue some of the goals I started this year even into 2018.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>2017 Goal: "More portrait photography in my portfolio next year. There is still a lot to learn. First item on my list to purchase is a lens with faster glass. Thank you, James Baranski."</i></blockquote></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The first blog I wrote this year was "The Destination is There" (<a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-destination-is-there.html">February</a>) and it was my New Year's Blog. I recapped previous years and their themes. 2011 was the first year I designated a theme for the year. For 2011, it was "DIBS" because that was the worst year I had, mainly towards the end. So, the last word I spoke in 2011 was just that: DIBS! I said that as a bunch of us in my Brunswick OH apartment huddled around my TV and watched the ball drop in Times Square for 2012. The main topic of that blog was about my job too and how well it was taking off. Having been aboard with VelocityEHS for only few months, I compared the greatness of the job with Broadvox in Cleveland. My friend Chris Johnson helped me get in there.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWIe0Igoi6A/Wk1ue8VfQII/AAAAAAABXlU/AHVKUKOREqEgXZ0zY4npd6IPxxhRjsazQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_6971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWIe0Igoi6A/Wk1ue8VfQII/AAAAAAABXlU/AHVKUKOREqEgXZ0zY4npd6IPxxhRjsazQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_6971.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Working with James Baranski Photography</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">West Town, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">January 22, 2017</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The year started off slowly and I was sick on New Year's day so I stayed in and slept on the couch. I did a few things with Portrait Photography and helped my friend Jim with key lighting on some photo shoots. It exposed me somewhat to different types of lighting and camera settings. Although, it covered one of my goals for 2017, it merely scratched the surface of it. We did a photo shoot at Quincy Station in Chicago Loop.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">"While the models were getting ready, Jim taught me some technique for shooting models and how controlling the Aperture affects the light on the subject, while the Shutter Speed affects the light in the background. This made some sense even having shot landscapes. The narrower the aperture on the camera, the more sharp the image is.&nbsp; The faster the shutter speed the darker the background and the slower the shutter speed, the brighter the background.and so on. Aperture controls the light on the subject while the shutter speed controls the background lighting."</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It was a helpful session but there wasn't any time for me to shoot; however, I did manage to get some shots while the models were getting ready for the shoot beforehand. It wouldn't be until June until I had my chance with my very own solo, last minute photo shoot. This was going to be discussed in my Summer blog which I never published.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PESFDP8VA9U/Wk1w44o2EfI/AAAAAAABXlg/sN1gnRpnxCoMBDVK7QbqLkJG7zBPpDcDQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_3705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PESFDP8VA9U/Wk1w44o2EfI/AAAAAAABXlg/sN1gnRpnxCoMBDVK7QbqLkJG7zBPpDcDQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_3705.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Congratulations Lester and Maria!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Midsummer's Day at The Picasso</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Daley Plaza, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">June 24, 2017</span></div><br /><b>Faded by Alan Walker</b><br /><i>My first solo, last minute wedding shoot</i><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The photography has really taken off this year and I've had lots of opportunity to get out there with my camera. At work and with friends. I've taught a few friends how to do HDR photography too, including the header photo, which was done in HDR.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One week in June, my friend Chris approached me and asked if I wanted to help shoot his friend's wedding. It was very, very last minute; however, I agreed. My concern with the shoot was that I was an amateur and that they might want a real professional instead. Chris said he'd shoot it but he was already in the wedding and wanted a friend to help shoot. So I was asked. I'm grateful he did. It exposed me more and gave me more experience. This was a strictly a last minute, solo gig but I did get paid too! That was the bonus.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Chris told me about the wedding on a Wednesday while at work. The wedding was THAT Saturday ha! "I know this is really short notice, but I didn't want a cellphone wedding shoot," he said. "I want them to have some nice pictures. Would you like to help?"</div><br />"Sure!" I exclaimed. "Do they know I'm not a pro though?"<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">"They want something nice but they'll be happy with pictures from an actual camera." Chris said. "We're paying you too." He entreated.</div><br />"I'll do it."<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Chris gave me the location. The wedding was at City Hall on N. LaSalle. Early. So on Saturday, June 24, I rode the Brown Line down to Washington/Wells and walked over to City Hall. Chris and his wife were there and I met the Bride and Groom with their families inside City Hall.&nbsp; The shoot started at Daley Center by the Picasso, while we waited in line at the Clerk. The one thing I really loved about this was simply this: IT WAS A GEEK WEDDING!!! Note the theme they used here. If you look really close, it's Star Trek. The Groom is wearing the same suit that Captain Picard wore at Troi and Riker's wedding in Nemesis. Ah man, this was awesome!!!&nbsp; The theme was awesome.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZavrWc34nEQ/Wk1xonP5HuI/AAAAAAABXlo/kcS6DlgCTXMKgsnBMNhGG_gDgTpQC0l9QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_3861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZavrWc34nEQ/Wk1xonP5HuI/AAAAAAABXlo/kcS6DlgCTXMKgsnBMNhGG_gDgTpQC0l9QCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_3861.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Congratulations Lester and Maria!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Midsummer's Day&nbsp;in front of the Mart</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">June 24, 2017</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm glad I know the city so I knew of places to shoot that they both would like. After the Picasso, we were in line next to see the Judge who would preside the marriage. I'm glad I brought my Speed Flash for this! It was dark in there! If there is one thing I learned fast with the couple: they were both very photogenic. There was little directing on my stead. They did it all! I told Chris, "they're both going to very happy and grow old together. I don't have to direct!" I was just there and captured it lol. This one of them at the Picasso is my favorite there! Natural.&nbsp; All I did was adjust the camera and click the shutter multiple times lol. They did everything themselves!!! I think that's the best kind of shoot there can be. This is my first solo gig as a photographer but I learned something positive from it. If you don't have to direct the bride and groom for photos, they're going to have a successful marriage! You can tell from the photo they're going to be very happy together for the rest of their lives!!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkK1N7_NdaM/Wk1yKINxXJI/AAAAAAABXlw/5M3hO_-MLQ4wUaFi4rJcQGWSJgUybWLWACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_3755-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkK1N7_NdaM/Wk1yKINxXJI/AAAAAAABXlw/5M3hO_-MLQ4wUaFi4rJcQGWSJgUybWLWACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_3755-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">CJ photobombed!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Midsummer's Day at the Picasso</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Daley Plaza, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">June 24, 2017</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">After Lester and Maria were married at City Hall, we walked over to the River Walk by a familiar structure, the Merchandise Mart. There we did some more shooting. I wanted to get the fountains in some of the shots which I think would make the photos look really nice with them. Thank you CJ! What was even more encouraging was how happy everyone was with the photography after wedding. I can definitely see where I can improve next time, but I am grateful that I had this opportunity! My first solo, last minute wedding photo shoot!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>To Serenade a Rainbow by PM Dawn</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>VelocityEHS IT projects</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_65DGRjR6aY/Wk10xzXMIRI/AAAAAAABXmA/x7ubmiyEGgkoVEKCk3FC3I_xBCs9bDqHwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_7850-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="209" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_65DGRjR6aY/Wk10xzXMIRI/AAAAAAABXmA/x7ubmiyEGgkoVEKCk3FC3I_xBCs9bDqHwCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_7850-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In spring, I made several trips to see my folks in Hinckley OH. Work also was really busy and many projects were completed especially the Skype/Exchange Hybrid Project, to serenade a rainbow (<a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2017/03/head-in-clouds.html">March</a> blog)! It was also a time where I stopped hosting "1001 Things to See in Chicago before you die." I also didn't do the usual Chicago activities I routinely did during spring like the Auto Show, Chiditarod and St. Paddy's Day. I stepped down from the meetup after the Chinatown New Year Parade in February. I got disappointed with the turnouts and the planning caveats. 2017 was a different year for me in Chicago. I did a lot of my own activities on my own occasionally with friends. Many of the activities were done without the meetups. I also joined up with "Lensflare Photography" in Spring and started getting involved with a new photography group. I was getting a little tired of the cliques in some of the meetups. If you know me, then you know I just don't do cliques and I always try to make everyone feel included in a group. As I stated in the beginning of this blog, <i><b>I'm not putting up with people's shit next year. You think it's mean? Not my problem. Balance needs restored! Give Way!</b></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yis5GkZA-BA/Wk13IPDxWGI/AAAAAAABXmM/LtuaGureJygk4sFjUXkFphZmJAiyV8p2wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_5819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yis5GkZA-BA/Wk13IPDxWGI/AAAAAAABXmM/LtuaGureJygk4sFjUXkFphZmJAiyV8p2wCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_5819.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We Are VelocityEHS</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Merchandise Mart Rooftop</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">July 14, 2017</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Recently letting people go for happiness sake. The journey towards happiness moving back to Chicago has been a determination and a journey to fill a regret. In the 5 years I've been back here, I've been striving for the best I can do. The job has been one direction towards that goal and it rightly does fit the "destination is there" theme for 2017.&nbsp;<b><i>Work.</i></b>&nbsp;When I joined VelocityEHS in September of 2016, it was part of filling that regret I held onto in Cleveland, and the good thing with the new job here was the fact that it is BROADVOX all over again. This is a good thing. I started Broadvox in Cleveland 2006 (so the new job came 10 years later lol). My manager and the co-workers encompass the good at Velocity. Plus, it's a great place to work at. I must admit though, it is taking me some time to fit in and get used to everyone. There are a lot of people in our company and I'm still learning new faces each day. #wearevelocityehs</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OvHEWt6K16U/Wk13Wg_lwpI/AAAAAAABXmQ/wRbp7eHv-n4sp20n44vJPqLbvtTlc1SHgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_8580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OvHEWt6K16U/Wk13Wg_lwpI/AAAAAAABXmQ/wRbp7eHv-n4sp20n44vJPqLbvtTlc1SHgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_8580.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Maximum Velocity</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Coworkers</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">March 23, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">LaSalle Street Bridge</span></div><b><br /></b><b>Summer Breeze by Seals and Croft.</b><br /><i>Summer hours and activities</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">"Summer hours, makes me feel fine. Blowin' through the day with the weekend on my mind." This past Summer at work started Summer Hours. This is the first company I've worked for where they maintained summer hours. Actually, I think is more of a Chicago thing if anything. So during the summer, we started a little earlier or left a little later during the week, giving us Friday to work a shorter day. That was great. It allowed the weekend to start earlier. Everyone on my team took advantage of that luxury, but this didn't stop the projects though. When summer was in full swing, I was busy with work projects, and we had the IwannaCry Ransonware protection project too. There was a lot of after-hour work too so weekend warrior work was constant throughout the Summer. For those that work weekends, you'll know what that's like -- even working remotely. We had a few server projects that have been carried out on Saturdays. It's IT so it's not uncommon! I've also been trying to automate several of our tasks with PowerShell too to help better do our jobs.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3HLYlIl9QQ/Wk14aTokhpI/AAAAAAABXmc/MC-ckMLoW34ubscLhbZsG1dIU_-1z2jAQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3HLYlIl9QQ/Wk14aTokhpI/AAAAAAABXmc/MC-ckMLoW34ubscLhbZsG1dIU_-1z2jAQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0683.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Time to raise the bridges</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago River, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">May 10, 2017</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">At one team meeting for work, our upper manager stated, "It's summer. Normally we slow down for the season but you all have been really busy with stuff." I guess that's a good thing though. Stay productive. We all had plenty of projects and more upcoming in the new year. Late July, I was given a memo to go through mid year goals and mark new ones. December, this month, I closed out those goals with new ones on the way. I used two of Velocity's mission values as part of my own new year's goals. "Be humble" and "choose simple." It's the first company I've worked at with mission values that make sense as a human being; not just for a business but for everyday life! It's hard to believe that September 12 was one full year with VelocityEHS! Starting in the Spring through the Summer one activity I did during lunch hours at work with a couple other photographers on the IT team, we did photo shoots of the annual bridge lifts over the Chicago River. So, we would use our lunch to go out and take pictures. Also, during the Summer, VelocityEHS provided a lot help with disaster recovery for the hurricanes Harvey and Irma.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Z7tt0p9JLJA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z7tt0p9JLJA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ding, ding, ding, ding</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It's Wednesday afternoon</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">June 3, 2017</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">If you've never seen a bridge lifting on the Chicago River, you can enjoy this short video of the Wells Street bridge being raised...ding ding ding ding. Gotta love lunch breaks during bridge lifting season on the river.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding</i>. During the spring, at work, I also started a photography club called VelocityEYES. It started with Wednesday Bridge Lifts along the Chicago River actually with a few other photographers in the IT Department. The Bridge Lifts usually occur on Wednesdays during Spring. They usually lift the bridges at the same time. We got the idea when we heard the bells on the bridge ringing and watching them raise from our floor in the Merchandise Mart. So that little gathering started a great idea with a photography club. <br /><br /><b><i>"Merchandise Mart is next. Doors open on the right at Merchandise Mart. This is Brown Line to the Loop."</i></b><br /><br />My company put out a YouTube video a couple days after I was hired...<br /><br /><center><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hu_qJCB9W3Y" width="560"></iframe></center><br /><br /><i>"I joined this company with a friend and colleague on September 12, 2016. This was one major milestone goal I succeeded with in 2016 when looking back over the year. My friend Chris Johnson and I worked together at IPsoft on 155 N. Wacker. He left the company first and went over to Velocity. Having worked there for a couple months, he contacted me and told me that he was trying to bring me in too. This was late in 2015. He said, "sit tight," because the company was moving its location into the Merchandise Mart early this year. I was struggling with my career choices as early as January of 2016. I felt I was directionless and going nowhere at IPsoft. I tried to move to another department there to no satisfaction. Only I would understand that battle! I don't expect others to. In August of 2016, Chris contacted me and told me to APPLY NOW. Actually, he invited me out to dinner to discuss the proposal and talk about VelocityEHS. We had dinner at Monk's Pub on Lake &amp; Wells. I remember it. I got the offer in September and I was overjoyed. I put notice in at IPsoft. You really start to learn about people after you leave a company as well. I was glad to be out of that negativity. I felt held back and I was never allowed to shine there."</i> Reposted from my own website: <a href="http://www.shekinya.net/">Shekinya.net</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>People Are Strange by The Doors</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ominous Summer in Chicago</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4OLWE4Yob0U/Wk16OVQHe8I/AAAAAAABXmo/lHNNYiQKNiM9D4-3zXSDmqX9_Ud35ysMwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_3419-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4OLWE4Yob0U/Wk16OVQHe8I/AAAAAAABXmo/lHNNYiQKNiM9D4-3zXSDmqX9_Ud35ysMwCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_3419-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">During the Summer, the photography took on more but the year was becoming more ominous, and I was getting a heavier unsettled feeling in the air starting in May. I used a scene in Ghost Whisperer to explain the feeling to a friend after having watched the series on Netflix. The Season One episode of "<a href="https://youtu.be/MgkJQTX_e4E">Free Fall</a>" and Melinda's premonitions of the plane crash was how I started feeling in May. It seemed to coincide with the terrorist attack in Manchester and the appearance of the <i>Mothman in Chicago</i>. <b>Wake up number 47</b> (<a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2017/08/wake-up-number-47.html">August</a> blog), a reference to the movie "Mothman Prophecies" and the total number lives lost in the original Silver Bridge collapse in 1966, prefaced the year becoming more foreboding. It wasn't until late July where I heard about its appearance in the city after I spotted a UFO in one of my photos. It was also the same weekend my folks came and visited me. With the Solar Eclipse, my crisis of faith, strange weather phenomena and my health issues, the summer was very tough personally. The highlight for the summer though was my parents visiting in late July. It was a very moving time and a tearful moment after their departure. It was also that last week in July and early August where I had a crisis of faith.&nbsp;My Mom and Dad came and visited me on July 21 and 22. On that Saturday, we spent the day downtown. We went up to my office in the Merchandise Mart, explored the Bean, Grant Park, had lunch at The Gage, and a nice boat cruise on Wendella Boats. It was a lot of fun and I had a great time with them, even having a very tearful departure that Saturday night. Like me, my love of photography comes from my Dad, so he was taking pictures just as I was. Well, it wasn't until later when reviewing my photos where I came across a <a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2017/08/wake-up-number-47.html">UFO</a> in one of my photos. I filed a report with MUFON.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x6T24sM57Zo/Wk2BQYgKZnI/AAAAAAABXnA/34TpyZV0lakohbg0WktBKk7xHU7Z1NpOgCLcBGAs/s1600/ootaka-meme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1176" height="272" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x6T24sM57Zo/Wk2BQYgKZnI/AAAAAAABXnA/34TpyZV0lakohbg0WktBKk7xHU7Z1NpOgCLcBGAs/s640/ootaka-meme.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Summer Traditions!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Star Wars Marathon</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: start;">"NOTHING IMPORTANT HAPPENED TODAY," attributed to King George III on July 4, 1776.</div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If King George III had Twitter or Facebook, he would've tweeted this or made this his status on that day. &nbsp;July was a hot month! &nbsp;Usually just after July 4, I start counting down the days to Fall. &nbsp;Not that I don't mind summer, it's just a lot more comfortable without the awful humidity. &nbsp;One thing is for sure but "a lot DID happen this month!"&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;"><b>Of Star Wars and X-Files...</b></div><div style="text-align: start;"><i>Summer Traditions.</i></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I don't know for certain how the tradition started but each summer, the week of <i>Independence Day</i>, the tradition is that I watch Star Wars, and by Star Wars, I mean the original trilogy, where Han shot first and the Reboband played the cool tune of Lapti Nek.&nbsp; I think the tradition first started when I was in High School actually, just after school let out for the summer.&nbsp; So, keeping with the tradition, I kept the spirit alive.&nbsp; This year, I didn't watch them the week of Independence Day.&nbsp; I think one reason why is because I did not have a Vacation set aside like usually did at one point.&nbsp; I had a habit of blotting out vacation time early for this week at previous jobs I had.&nbsp; Return of the Jedi is still my most favorite movie in the whole of Star Wars! <i>Although my next favorite Star Wars movie became "Rogue One" after last December.</i></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">July was a busy month in personal life, not just work. I hung out with a lot of friends, did the Fireworks Cruise on the Lake for Independence Day for a friend's birthday, My Mom and Dad came and visited me, Chicago Full Moon Fire Jams with friends and much more. Most of all? Photography! Like me, my love of photography comes from my Dad, so when he visited me in July, he was taking pictures just as I was. The photography starts with him though.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;"><i>2017 Goal: "If there is one thing Chicago has taught me is resilience and a certain kind of stubbornness. So, continuing on to not be a door mat and have a little dignity is not a bad thing either. Thank you, Karen Sobolewski for always being supportive of my decisions and pointing me in a self-respectful lifestyle!"</i></blockquote><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Visiting folks more this year.</i> The past couple months, I've visited my folks in Cleveland more than I have in previous years. Your parents get to a certain point and you constantly worry about them! My brothers live out of State just like me, so there is really no one there in Ohio for them. Other family, you're thinking? Not reliable as far as I'm concerned! That's another story though. I saw my Mom for her birthday in March, a couple times in May and also in June. Another reason was also because of noisy neighbors, so it was also getting away! My folks also lost a member of the family on Father's Day. Little Miss, my Mom's one cat passed away. It broke my Mom's heart. They still have Felix though.</div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRKlRf-I_lM/Wk2FwOxKFDI/AAAAAAABXnU/apPXtP_XDkYuPUapK4yS4a7JSFAYl5N3wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_2902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRKlRf-I_lM/Wk2FwOxKFDI/AAAAAAABXnU/apPXtP_XDkYuPUapK4yS4a7JSFAYl5N3wCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_2902.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sailing</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Takes me away to where I've always heard it could be</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Just a dream and the wind to carry me</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Soon I will be free</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fantasy</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">It gets the best of me</span></i></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">When I'm sailing</span></i></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm very blessed to still have both my parents and I love them more and more each day. They celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in January of this year! They're really amazing and I'm thankful I have them as my parents. I wasn't raised in a wealthy family. Both my parents worked, my Dad multiple jobs, just to support us. My Mom worked to help supplement the income. Our wealth came in their love, patience and long-suffering with them. Though we didn't have a wealth of money, we had an abundance of love, discipline and self-sacrifice! THAT is the family I'm proud of, the family I'm thankful I was raised in. Why? Well simply because it's taught me how to be a better human being in a selfish world. It also taught me respect and earning it through hard work and discipline! I'm a proud Gen Xer because of that and my folks.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/d8OrWZ_pGqQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d8OrWZ_pGqQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2017 The Destination is There</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Midsummer Delight</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">June 18, 2017</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Midsummer delight.</i>&nbsp;Happy Father's Day Dad! I dedicated this video to my Dad for Father's Day. The video covers the first half of the year of photography with some flashbacks to my San Diego Vacation last year with my brother! My Dad is the reason why I love photography and he was the reason I fell in love with it. In Chicago here, there are plenty of places for photography inside the city and outside it. Chicago is a very photogenic city and there is not shortage of opportunities. I carry my camera with me (among other items) each day I go to work. You never know when the chance arises that there might be a good shot. <i>This picture made me cry after I developed it in Light Room. My Mom "appears" from of the time portal!</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l5wd7orsa2o/Wk1-3v3rZpI/AAAAAAABXm4/-C-Cx0_RJZktlT7xvmAwxbwJjVyrk5uvwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_6107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l5wd7orsa2o/Wk1-3v3rZpI/AAAAAAABXm4/-C-Cx0_RJZktlT7xvmAwxbwJjVyrk5uvwCEwYBhgL/s640/DSC_6107.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Time Portal back to July 22</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Bean</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Grant Park, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">July 22, 2017</span></div><br /><b>Sailing by Christopher Cross.</b><br /><i>Time Portal July 22.&nbsp;</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, the story of this photo made me cry when a friend of mine called the picture a "Time Portal," especially since my Mom appears to emerge from it. So the story of this photo wasn't mine but my friend's. My folks visited me here as part as their "Go West" road trip this past Summer. I was their first stop. I cried! On Friday the 21st, they drove in and stayed at the Rodeway Inn on N. Lincoln by Peterson. Although they weren't too thrilled with Chicago traffic here, they made good time. Since we have Summer Hours at work, I was able to meet up with them in the evening at the hotel. It was one straight Kimball/Homan 82 bus up to Peterson. Then a short walk over to the hotel. The weather was hot and humid, blech, but it's Summer. Getting there, we had dinner at the Outback in Niles. Yeah, it was original but we wanted something familiar for dinner. So I knew of the Outback on Touhy.&nbsp; We ate there. After my stop, they continued on west on I-90 for other site seeing stops.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqcrXMCjhJk/Wk2E26vJbuI/AAAAAAABXnM/ziQB3H8gBm8P9M5GI7Y_VGJaQ2BWQbJOgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqcrXMCjhJk/Wk2E26vJbuI/AAAAAAABXnM/ziQB3H8gBm8P9M5GI7Y_VGJaQ2BWQbJOgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0294.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I forgot my password! &nbsp;Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Richard Trigg and TriggFX Photography</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Garfield Heights, Ohio</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">March 25, 2017</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This Summer, I also learned a lot with Adobe Photoshop tips from my friend Richard Trigg the few times I visited my folks in the Spring and Summer. I learned a lot from Rich and he has incredible photography. Check out his website, <a href="https://www.triggfx.com/">TriggFX</a>! From photo shooting down to the technique he used for touch ups in Photoshop for all his models. Rich and I go way back even before photography. By the way, for those reading, note that I took a lot of text out of my Summer blog (which I never published) and put it here in my New Year's blog. I did that to fill in the Summer "gap."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ikeCqzLYATY/Wk2I6tUzaoI/AAAAAAABXno/JDHwHQZ75S8KVeo0vr9lHIG2CqdUgfYYQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170730_192704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ikeCqzLYATY/Wk2I6tUzaoI/AAAAAAABXno/JDHwHQZ75S8KVeo0vr9lHIG2CqdUgfYYQCLcBGAs/s640/20170730_192704.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">James Baranski Photography at the Beach</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">North Avenue Beach</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lincoln Park, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">July 30, 2017</span></div><br />Another photography event I worked on was with James Baranski Photography again at North Avenue Beach. I helped him setup for a model shoot. It was a hot day out and the beach was very comforting. James and I spent the whole Sunday there. Again, disappointed, I didn't get to do any shooting. This made me re-evaluate how I want to take my photography into 2018. The only real experience I got was the Wedding photo shoot I did in June.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ihy_yK7FPD0/Wk2P1lDxxOI/AAAAAAABXoE/xrXgkLJv8wMMGfSivfmKoUlr3xAnWfEJgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_7393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ihy_yK7FPD0/Wk2P1lDxxOI/AAAAAAABXoE/xrXgkLJv8wMMGfSivfmKoUlr3xAnWfEJgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_7393.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">August Chicago Full Moon Fire Jam</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fire Breathing</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lawrence Beach, Chicago IL</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">August 7, 2017</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B2eWcz29pXE/Wk2QArPbyhI/AAAAAAABXoI/2ML_SKnqNLQ0S9XVqAWmieEC6FnOrfL7gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_5688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B2eWcz29pXE/Wk2QArPbyhI/AAAAAAABXoI/2ML_SKnqNLQ0S9XVqAWmieEC6FnOrfL7gCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_5688.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">July Chicago Full Moon Fire Jam</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fire Wrangling</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lawrence Beach, Chicago IL</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">July 6, 2017</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QNSPiZLcAh0/Wk2QxCyE5uI/AAAAAAABXoQ/AKusYChinS0KoMXHm595imU0Pfa97K7YACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_5491-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QNSPiZLcAh0/Wk2QxCyE5uI/AAAAAAABXoQ/AKusYChinS0KoMXHm595imU0Pfa97K7YACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_5491-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">July Chicago Full Moon Fire Jam</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Surprise Hoop</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lawrence Beach, Chicago IL</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">July 6, 2017</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GambdS870CM/Wk2RHqo60iI/AAAAAAABXoU/9SPMLKqRW_ck13OJfuLif8qmMRLeC5dLQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_6876-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1061" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GambdS870CM/Wk2RHqo60iI/AAAAAAABXoU/9SPMLKqRW_ck13OJfuLif8qmMRLeC5dLQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_6876-2.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">August Chicago Full Moon Fire Jam</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fiery Smile!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lawrence Beach, Chicago IL</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">August 7, 2017</span></div><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: start;"><i>Chicago Full Moon Fire Jams.</i> One other event I've enjoyed over the summer were the Chicago Full Moon Fire Jams near Lawrence Beach in Uptown. Actually, I went to two this Summer, both times with my own photography and with a friend. It was after this where I really became upset with meetup and one of the organizers. After posting one of my Fire Jam photos on Facebook, he scolded me for not making it a group event on meetup. Rather angered by that, I dropped out of his meetup group. This only proved my point earlier in the year how I felt about meetup, organizing and cliques. These fire jam events helped me practice my portrait photography more. The last photo was part of a series with the same fire wrangler. She saw me shooting her from a distance, and she posed for me even though she wasn't in front of me. I hope she found her photos on the Intsagram Chicago Fire Jam group. Probably should've gotten her phone number lol</span><br /><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span><b>The Destination is There by Carman</b><br /><i>Where is my destination</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zwwyLOVlYwU/Wk2IUanXfxI/AAAAAAABXng/AKyiz3_i8okc8Ra61w0OCgUhluSSx6TPACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_9348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zwwyLOVlYwU/Wk2IUanXfxI/AAAAAAABXng/AKyiz3_i8okc8Ra61w0OCgUhluSSx6TPACLcBGAs/s320/DSC_9348.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Probably the most notable time of the year and the Summit of the year occurred in August and September. Early August had a New Year's goal smack me right in the face. This year I've been really battling and struggling with faith and anxiety...especially more this Summer, and it has given me an idea for my New Year's Theme of 2018, The Battleground is in the Heart. That battle has intensified this Summer especially after my parents came to visit me in July. I think the main reason I chose The Destination is There last December&nbsp; for my 2017 theme was, not only because of the song by Carman, but because of going back to church and getting back into faith and God's Grace. Last August 2016, I was looking for a home church with my friend Michael Lawrence and the first hit on Google gave me "Destination Church" in Chicago. The problem with that is I procrastinated on attending, which brings me to August 2017 and being "nudged" I think.&nbsp; <i>I've traditionally celebrated September 1st as the Elfin New Year (from old Fantasy Stories I've written). It begins the 23 days of Summall; it would also mark another foreboding day which David Meade got his few months of fame and recognition after the August 21 Solar Eclipse, the Revelation 12 sign, and the End of the World on September 23.</i> Oddly, that day also marked Day 1973 for me moving back to Chicago.<br /><br />With anxiety kicking in again at "why" this happened, it only got me thinking heavily on my 2017 goal, and Destination Church. Why is <b>Day 1973</b> (<a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2017/09/chicago-day-1973.html">September</a> blog) the same day as September 23 with all the end of the world hype? Why did I move back to Chicago on April 29, 2012 and why was I born in 1973? Psalm 139! That's why!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;"><i>2017 Goal: "Build my faith stronger and filled with the Spirit. Accountability. Destination Church in Wrigleyville. Thank you, Michael K. Lawrence II."</i></blockquote><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OUQMA7SEoFg/Wk2LCeHlR6I/AAAAAAABXn0/ZTUZE6LILZgf-GLT55E1W3fvbrERtr5wQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_8768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OUQMA7SEoFg/Wk2LCeHlR6I/AAAAAAABXn0/ZTUZE6LILZgf-GLT55E1W3fvbrERtr5wQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_8768.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Total Eclipse of the Mart</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Merchandise Mart</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">River North, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">August 21, 2017</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>The Solar Eclipse.</i> Our manager let us use our lunch to go to the rooftop of the Mart to "view" the eclipse. That day, I fitted my one lens with a filter which would protect my lens from the sun and give me 4 extra stops, allowing more definition of the eclipse. Before the eclipse, I went to the roof with a couple other photographer at work and we setup our cameras. The eclipse began at 11:54 a.m., reaching a maximum at 1:19 p.m. and ended at 2:42 p.m in Chicago. I included that in my August blog and the fear I had with August 23 and the possibility of a "Black Sky Event." According to EIS council's website, there is going to be an exercise that day. August 23: Emergency All-sector Response Transnational Hazard Exercise</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UV45V62myrM/Wk2SdHQ0ydI/AAAAAAABXog/1T-Nc3rxT_k_wGL1ALtc4kd6lhcjb5LiACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_8572-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UV45V62myrM/Wk2SdHQ0ydI/AAAAAAABXog/1T-Nc3rxT_k_wGL1ALtc4kd6lhcjb5LiACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_8572-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Solar Eclipse Maximum</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Total Eclipse of the Mart</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Merchandise Mart</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">River North, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">August 21, 2017 11:47</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Summing up September just before my trip, I started attending "Small Groups" with Destination Church. It made me think about this goal.</div><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;"><i>2017 Goal: "Landmark Chicago. I was introduced to this by a friend. I'm making this a goal. I'm still finding my purpose here in Chicago.Thank you, Therie Yi-Shin Lai. That November 15th date has a special meaning for me, being my Chicago-versary, but I'm yet to find my place and purpose here."</i></blockquote><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Identity Rescue.</i> I haven't forgotten about this goal that I came up with my friend Therie when she invited me to her graduation at "Landmark Chicago" last year. The small groups almost ... if not ... touched this goal. Next year, I intend to keep this goal since my company has something similar. Many times in life I don't feel like I fit. When I finally let people in, they treat me like a freak. This has happened many time and I'm very disappointed with some people who are so narrow-minded and not very understanding; I don't like being treated like a FREAK. I'm hoping 2018 brings honest people in my life.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><ol><li style="text-align: justify;">I told this to my friend Rich when I visited for Christmas this year, but there is a big difference between people in Cleveland than in Chicago. For dating, the single women that I've met are all stuck on themselves and stuck up (not all). People are rude (not all). Opposite in Cleveland. People and women are more polite. So, no, I'm not moving back. Yes, 2018 will be a challenge finding the good one.</li><br /><li style="text-align: justify;">I've dealt with various skin problems most of my life and most recently, I've developed Psoriasis. It's not only on my arms but now it's on my abdomen and back. I don't like being looked at as a leper and unfortunately there is no cure for this. It's an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks "normal" cells. IT IS NOT CONTAGIOUS, so you don't have to shirk your hand away quickly when you shake mine, that is unless you've seen me picking my nose beforehand. I've lived most of my life unable to use certain laundry soaps and bar soaps because I break out in an awful skin rash. There have been flare ups have been overwhelming and I'm waking in the middle of the night in a "death itch." So, it's not been comfortable sleeping for the past month or so with this. I'm seeking remedies for this, but I caution myself on any drug that says "suppress + immune system" in the treatment.</li><br /><li style="text-align: justify;">Yes, I've had some really bizarre dreams or feelings that have come true, especially those with deaths in them. I especially don't like fellow Christian brothers or sisters looking at me or telling me that I'm a freak because of my dreams. How do you think I feel when it happens? MY SKIN CRAWLS and even I'm uncomfortable EVERY TIME. Many people in the Bible had premonition dreams. I'm thankful for those friends who DO understand or that are accepting. I told someone my dream about moving here to Chicago and he treated me like a freak and mentioned how creepy I was. Gee, thanks!</li><br /></ol><div style="text-align: justify;">Number 3 has been more notable this year. For instance, when I was at the Grand Red Line subway tunnel a couple months back, I felt like I was getting hit by the train. It was an intense feeling and it happened out of the blue ... er the red. Well, a week later, someone WAS hit by that same train at the same stop and the same platform. It was plastered on the news. That's only one instance of this. The latest was recent, just before travelling to see my folks in Cleveland. The night before, I felt a car accident, and it made me think about my trip to visit and the possible weather conditions. Moments later, my friend in Cleveland texts and says she was in a car accident! So, again, another instance of this and it's hard to open up about this. The first time I felt one of these was when my Grandma passed away in 1989. This has surfaced so often in my life, including my Mom's stroke. The scary part? It reflects in my PHOTOGRAPHY and my WRITING. I don't understand it or why? So, my purpose in Chicago? I still don't know or understand it, but I think it partly ties in with October and November of this year, and the Small Groups at church. <b><i>This will be my "Identity Rescue!"</i></b><br /><br />As an Empath and a Sensitive, I've learned this year how to pay attention more to the Big Picture and what's going on around me, not just in my own life, but with people I love. 2017 was that year. <b><i>Sensitive?</i></b> Yeah, a word I hate being used to label me, but you know what? It's time to embrace it in spite of its "negative tone."&nbsp; I used Ghost Whisperer's Season One finale "Free Fall" to describe how that "odd heaviness in the air" felt this past Spring. Reflecting on it this month, I understand what I need to do to help others, and how the year turned into a year of catastrophe.</div><br /><b>Secret Call by Ginkgo Garden</b><br /><i>Destination England.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eziy61-Wr74/Wk7PKzjXphI/AAAAAAABXpk/uUbU-BP0FcArKyWsUX0Mi_cfDDrSCbn0ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eziy61-Wr74/Wk7PKzjXphI/AAAAAAABXpk/uUbU-BP0FcArKyWsUX0Mi_cfDDrSCbn0ACLcBGAs/s320/DSC_0706.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In October, I travelled to the United Kingdom for a getaway and vacation. It was the first time outside the United States. Destination England. <b>Never get beyond the sight</b> (<a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2017/11/never-get-beyond-sight.html">November</a> blog).&nbsp;The journey for England actually started earlier this year in March when I filled out US Passport papers to get my first US Passport. I remember a couple trips to the Richard Daley Center, the courthouse downtown, filling out the paperwork and submitting my information. There the process and the journey had its start. With one bump in the road, getting that cleared with one phone call to Raleigh NC (the State of my birth), since my birth record was not the right one submitted, I obtained my first ever US Passport on June 12. The trip began. I had already been planning and booking my trip in May. I had help with my trip from friend and co-worker, Chris Johnson, who is from the UK. He gave me pointers and tips how to help save money. Hurricane Ophelia payed England a visit while I was in London.</div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;"><i><br />2017 Goal: "Happy Now? Happy Later?" Happy Now! Todd, if you're reading this, you remember when you said this to me 10 years ago, and I said Happy Later? I'm making it a goal in 2017. I still don't know to this day why you asked me this, but it has made me think about my own happiness lately. Thank you, Todd E. Florian</i></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u4Ow1JZ_o7M/WlEiJr9Zc_I/AAAAAAABXxo/_2j3mtH7xDw33YTstv3rHypM-5_a__t7gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1061" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u4Ow1JZ_o7M/WlEiJr9Zc_I/AAAAAAABXxo/_2j3mtH7xDw33YTstv3rHypM-5_a__t7gCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1396.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nelson's Column</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hurricane Ophelia visits.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greater London, London UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 16, 2017</span></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For my birthday this year which was Friday the 13th, October, I spent a couple weeks there. I've had some notable birthdays, but I wanted to make this year a special one and visit another country. It was a great time and it was the first time I experienced another country. I stayed in Avebury, Wiltshire at a B&amp;B and did all my own driving - on the wrong side of the road. The last two days, I spent the days in London when Ophelia hit, so all my pictures in London have apocalyptic, looking skies. I started my trip in Avebury and toured the Avebury Stonehenge; went to Stonehenge in Salisbury Plains, went to Devizes, Nottingham (ancestors), Gosport, London. Why Gosport you're thinking? I met a friend there who I first met online through Wizards of the Coast, AIM, Yahoo! Messenger and MSN Messenger back in 2001. Since then, we've maintained an online friendship. 16 years later, we finally met in person! Amazing experience and seeing her too. Thank you Debb aka Bobbsta! I visited Nottingham because that's where the Chathams came from originally before immigrating to the US.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PrA8Iok3qIU/Wk7WsWqYxpI/AAAAAAABXqA/BMMCDbv-52ckUIjoaI6H0TzGyu1YQLjBACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PrA8Iok3qIU/Wk7WsWqYxpI/AAAAAAABXqA/BMMCDbv-52ckUIjoaI6H0TzGyu1YQLjBACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1162.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Looking out over Nottingham</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nottingham Castle</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nottingham, Nottinghamshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 15, 2017</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I booked a B&amp;B in, yeah, you guessed it, AVEBURY, lol. My flight path was ORD to MAN, not Heathrow. CJ said Manchester would be a cheaper bet, so I took him up on that. Also, to help save further, my flight out was Monday evening (cheaper than during the day and the weekend). That was step one. Step 2? Yeah, you guessed it. DRIVING IN ENGLAND -- ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD, lol. At the airport I reserved myself a car upon my arrival. Right there and then did I realize what that meant. I would have to drive in England. It wasn't so much driving on the left side as that being an issue. It was that right hand turn. Cross traffic (like our left turn here in the States). I kept drilling that into my head after the reservation lol. Right turn crosses over traffic! Little did I know at the time -- but later warned -- were the English roundabouts! They're all over there! So, I did some asking around like CJ and my friend Debb in England about the driving patterns. I'm here now, composing this blog. I survived it! Lol. Actually, I caught myself 2 or 3 times on my trip turning right on the wrong side of the road. Luckily, I had oncoming traffic to remind me, "hey stupid, LEFT side of the road!" Ha! The roundabouts, well, it took some time to master those!<br /><br />My Trip Map...<br /><br /><center><iframe height="480" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1MTQdxIGK3ecUN-pR-CbTOqmcSuo" width="640"></iframe></center><br />Here is the video I did of my trip there...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/K3IBVKysJxI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K3IBVKysJxI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2017 The Destination is There</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Destination England</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 13, 2017</span></div><br />Later in November, I made a connection to a place I visited in England and my November 15, Chicago-versary. It revolved around the town of Avebury. This town was used in a TV Series called "Children of the Stones" where it was called Milbury. In the series, the villagers are trapped in a time loop.&nbsp;I was trapped in a TIME LOOP of my own just like this village was trapped. I stayed in Avebury for the duration of the trip at a B&amp;B there. Avebury was my first bucket list item I made as a kid of 10 or 11 years old. By the way, Avebury is Milbury from the TV Series. It's interesting how this works out because I was originally fascinated by Avebury from the TV Series called "Children of the Stones." I first watched it when Nickelodeon first came out and, for those that remember, when it shared network space with A&amp;E for a time before getting its own station.&nbsp; Anyhow, Nickelodeon came on at 7pm in the evening after A&amp;E. The two shows they aired were "You can't do that on television" and "Third Eye." We watched them both as kids (my brothers and me). In the Third Eye series, they aired the 1977 Children of the Stones UK series as one of stories in the program.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Scu6SOnOaE/Wk7XDsy6H2I/AAAAAAABXqI/8y8Nzs3zFOEbUantu9u1QLP1Ljzbkr8UgCLcBGAs/s1600/imageedit_4_8694101709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="844" height="420" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Scu6SOnOaE/Wk7XDsy6H2I/AAAAAAABXqI/8y8Nzs3zFOEbUantu9u1QLP1Ljzbkr8UgCLcBGAs/s640/imageedit_4_8694101709.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">NV15 ; The Destination is There</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">West Town Tattoo</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">West Town, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">November 18, 2017</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I was trapped in a "time loop" of my own just like the Brakes were in Children of the Stones. It's very interesting that I made the connection to the TV Series and my November 15 time loop when I came back from England and after November 15 passed this year. Coincidence ... or another Time Loop? I used the final episode of the series "Full Circle" to describe my year, and my Chicago-versary. See the story towards the top.</div><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;"><i>2017 Goal: If there is one thing Chicago has taught me is resilience and a certain kind of stubbornness. So, continuing on to not be a door mat and have a little dignity is not a bad thing either. Thank you, Karen Sobolewski for always being supportive of my decisions and pointing me in a self-respectful lifestyle!</i></blockquote><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Some of you know the meaning of the semi-colon on one's wrist. I encourage you to ask someone if you see it. Ask them "how long has it been since that?" They'd be surprised you knew what that was. I've considered doing the same thing recently. My story ( ; ) would probably start on November 15, 2011. November 14, I could've ended it and it was a VERY dark day for me and I almost went through with it, but that's what the semicolon is. It continues my story. By personal recommendation from my coworker and friend, Joe, I went to West Town Tattoo on November 18 to commerate the event. I don't normally tattoo my body, but I needed to finally do this. Sorry, Michael Lawrence we didn't get to do this together. I didn't want to put it off anymore.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PjcEKUBhiNc/WlBd5QMCiWI/AAAAAAABXw4/VI8WWWbc6W48zEE1CugVWzkJQ5_uThRQgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_2074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PjcEKUBhiNc/WlBd5QMCiWI/AAAAAAABXw4/VI8WWWbc6W48zEE1CugVWzkJQ5_uThRQgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_2074.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Drawn to it!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Navy Pier, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">December 3, 2017</span></div></div><br /><b>Message 19! November 14, 2001</b><br /><i>10 Years later, my dark day???</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Actually it was interesting to find something I wrote on November 14, 2001 (original transmission), ten years before that dark day. It was recently I found this information, and it's blatantly even on my own website! It was in my own writings and it had the hair standing on the back of my neck. I posted the following on a message board where "creative writers" shared stories they were writing, and it was the story I wrote was originally transmitted in email on the November 14th day. Even more interesting enough, the story was later shared on my <a href="http://arden.shekinya.net/pliagge/v2e2.html">website</a> (originally GeoCities). I think it was called Message 19 because that's the order in the email transmissions. I was sending the stories in email transmissions in 2001.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Here is the content of the topic I shared on the "creative writers" forum I shared on WOTC, Wizards of the Coast on Once Upon A Time (OOC)...</div><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">"December 17, 2002 ...&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">Once upon a time, there was a time when life was happy and free. Light shined and hope prevailed, but that time has been all but forgotten with the distress of disdain and heartache. Pain and grief consumed the bearer of dreams and his kingdom was overcome with nightmare....&nbsp;&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">The story I posted has always had impeccable premonition surrounding it. Everytime this story has been posted, some kind of doom surrounds it. Please, don't let that stop you from reading or enjoying it. It is a message of hope and prevail. [Smile]&nbsp;&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">Also dubbed Message 19, many mysteries encompass this story. This story is a premonition and an encouragement to fight the good fight and not lose hope. I posted it here, because to whom the story it was dedicated to and the author share a certain tying link with its truth. We both went through an awful time together last year, and this story was written weeks before. After we both saw a ray of hope in the story, we both savored a victory from it. I would like to post it here in hopes I may seek a victory in a current life struggle.&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">I wrote this story in a logical standpoint of my fantasty series, but unbeknownst to me, the story showed me a prediction of certain forthcoming doom in me and my friend (dedication). I want to share it here in hopes I may have a victory.&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">Please feel free to read at your leisure and share your thoughts in this thread ... <a href="http://arden.shekinya.net/pliagge/v2e2.html">THE STORY&nbsp;</a></blockquote><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So, it's interesting how this works and makes my head hurt. This original story was written to help a friend overcome HER darkness! It had an ominous touch to it because whenever I shared the story, it coincided with dark periods she went through. That's why it was dedicated accordingly later. Then 10 years after it was transmitted in email, I have MY dark day!!!! Little did I even know!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6NZAFCPyw9w/Wk7dkRAN-sI/AAAAAAABXrA/SO944jzY6HYZEGIFcYfRTljPuelU4d2uQCLcBGAs/s1600/imageedit_2_7474933356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="844" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6NZAFCPyw9w/Wk7dkRAN-sI/AAAAAAABXrA/SO944jzY6HYZEGIFcYfRTljPuelU4d2uQCLcBGAs/s320/imageedit_2_7474933356.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><b>Then, there was I, and only I remain</b><br />November 15, 2011, after the semi-colon<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Actually it was Karen Sobolewski that helped me through that night and she's been very supportive, even with the tattoo. So, this goal, unbeknownst to me, does tie oddly into this. I never considered that when I made the goal last December, but now see it when going back to review it. Getting the tattoo was a bit painful and it reminded me of that day actually where the story could've ended. It was put on the same wrist as well. Actually, I can't get over all the support for doing this. It's been a real encouragement and I know one other person that has the semicolon tattoo, a former co-worker. I remember asking him about it and he was the first one actually to encourage me to get it! Thanks, IPsoft! The whole story about my November 15 journey and the poem I wrote about it appear in the blog, <a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2013/11/and-only-i-remain.html">And, only I remain</a> in November 2013.</div><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Summing up the whole year...</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AZYcg4MxVZ8/Wk7eVC4u1uI/AAAAAAABXrI/cQU_8rb7bKcFJ-g2G0CBEgbL_0GgI84VwCLcBGAs/s1600/imageedit_2_3879570662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1006" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AZYcg4MxVZ8/Wk7eVC4u1uI/AAAAAAABXrI/cQU_8rb7bKcFJ-g2G0CBEgbL_0GgI84VwCLcBGAs/s640/imageedit_2_3879570662.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">If I were to sum up the entire year in one word, it would be "anxious." This year...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>2017 The Destination is There.</b></i> Not only did it involve traveling this year to a foreign country, it worked (smacked me in the face) with faith. If I were to take one word though that was common throughout the year, it would be anxiety -- more notably starting in May. I based the theme from Carman's song in 1985. The song was about living out your dreams and making them happen with God's help. In fact, I related the feeling to the episode of Ghost Whisperer called "<a href="https://youtu.be/MgkJQTX_e4E">Free Fall</a>." There, Melinda has premonitions about a plane crash in Grandview and she states that there's an odd "heaviness in the air." That was the feeling I had in Chicago in May. I started the blog this way.&nbsp;<i>From asteroids, solar flares, the solar eclipse, The Mothman in Chicago, N. Korea, hurricanes, David Meade, the end of the world, Day 1973 (for me), Equifax breach, Iwannacry Ransomware, down to identity theft and even my lousy neighbors, we're all still here. </i>This might be why I started feeling the way I did in May, before these things, and why I've entitled this last blog of 2017 as <b><i>RELEASE</i></b>, not just for the "Children of the Stones" reference! I want release from this ill-feeling. It hasn't released. One thing this year has taught me is paying attention to how I feel because it's not my own, it's someone else. I've started checking in more with loved ones when I start feeling "off" this year.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5TMdWSGfkw/Wk7ghhLLFWI/AAAAAAABXrU/pCCSvtE27jwBSwEL5dY01NQYcxo0KS9WgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_3167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5TMdWSGfkw/Wk7ghhLLFWI/AAAAAAABXrU/pCCSvtE27jwBSwEL5dY01NQYcxo0KS9WgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_3167.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Merry Christmas Chicago</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago Riverwalk</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Loop, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 29, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tabula Rasa. This year also where I did a lot of re-evaluating of family and people around me. In January, I stopped hosting that meetup group. I stopped doing all the familiar stuff and tried new stuff. I think everyone does this but being here in Chicago for 5 years now has taught me a lot about people. I've taken on some stubbornness, resilience and a little self-dignity. While it's been very hard making new friends here, I'm hoping 2018 brings the good people in my life. While 2012 up to this year migtht've been passively trying to "fit in," I want 2018 to be with people that are of real value to me. The trial period for people is OVER next year.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here is a video I did with all my photos for 2017. Enjoy...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/03EZvn7cngM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/03EZvn7cngM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2017 The Destination is There</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Final Destination... 2018</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Give Way!</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Not everyone does resolutions, but I do. I am happy that I have embraced this and I have followed through with my list. There were a few that I struggled with and will have to try again next year. There are some goals I've kept and renamed. The weight loss goal has been incorporated again with my autoimmune disease issues. I start new medication next month, so I'm hoping it helps with the new goal. Last Christmas, I spent in Chinatown on a date. Again ... made me think about people after this past January.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lc6rDNn87fQ/WlJ3MIxmieI/AAAAAAABXz8/6i4H5E63fdUKV5YScpH8UTemrlX5EM5BgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_2032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1060" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lc6rDNn87fQ/WlJ3MIxmieI/AAAAAAABXz8/6i4H5E63fdUKV5YScpH8UTemrlX5EM5BgCLcBGAs/s400/DSC_2032.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Arrival of a Star</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Christkindlmarket</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Daley Plaza, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">December 2, 2017</span></div><br /><b><i>1001 Things To Do In Chicago Before You Die.</i></b> I forgot to include this information. Well, it came down to it December when I had a personal invitation to <i>Christkindlmarket</i> in Daley Plaza. This has been a long-held tradition of the meetup group, one event that I planned each year too as a group. This year I wasn't a host, just a member. The lead owner of the group (the organizer I gave the meetup to in February) was someone I was starting to have an issue with from Summer and taking my own photography to the Fire Jams. After he distastefully chided me for not making the Fire Jam a meetup, I dropped out of all HIS meetups. So, when I got the PERSONAL invitation from the woman that has been with the group since its first inception, I was divided. She also sent me a PERSONAL invitation to the <i>Windy City Wine Festival</i> in September, another long-held tradition of the meetup group. Both times I accepted because of her affinity of the group PRIOR to the current owner of the meetup. So this next year, I'm re-evaluating my membership in the group or going out on my own, finding new people as my friend Rich Trigg suggested over Christmas. I went to both <i>Christkindlmarket</i> and W<i>indy City Wine Festival</i> and enjoyed familiar faces and some new ones. These were the only TWO events I did with the group this year after relinquishing my owner status of the group. So, I think depending on what she organizes in the new year, I'll hinge my choice on that. If there isn't much planned by her, I'll probably drop out by end of this Summer. Anything organized by the owner of his clique of people, I don't intend joining with. [I added this section on January 7, 2018]<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4oKGAEe9Ed0/WlJ37tjZfkI/AAAAAAABX0E/oo4kCIwR424kRApdQapYc5KewIXFJT9QQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_2462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1060" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4oKGAEe9Ed0/WlJ37tjZfkI/AAAAAAABX0E/oo4kCIwR424kRApdQapYc5KewIXFJT9QQCLcBGAs/s400/DSC_2462.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Christmas Tree at the Mart main entrance</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Merchandise Mart</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">River North, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">December 12, 2017</span></div><br /><b>The Final Song by&nbsp;MØ</b><br /><i>2017 The Destination is There</i><br /><br /><i>The story behind that photo and my year...</i><br /><br />I walked into 2017 alone... I walked on icy ground throughout the year full of anxiety with fear of slipping off that path... People came and went, the ones that stayed the course shared the same... The Destination was There... I reached my final destination in 2017. I will walk into 2018 alone, but GIVE WAY! It's my turn now! This picture was attributed to my journey through the year. It was taken at North Avenue Beach on January 15, 2017 with my friend Jim. It would become a portent of the year to come. Tamed by the horizon ahead, my path thereto diverted off... but only temporarily not permanently! That path goes into 2018, and there it would go. Give way! Only I shall remain...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vr--_W_Pb1A/Wk7pkQ-RaqI/AAAAAAABXrw/s83VSsCeE04o8kNwPXkGGXmbXgFBuclnACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_6453-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vr--_W_Pb1A/Wk7pkQ-RaqI/AAAAAAABXrw/s83VSsCeE04o8kNwPXkGGXmbXgFBuclnACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_6453-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Walking on Ice</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">North Avenue Beach</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lincoln park, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">January 15, 2017</span></div></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Through the years...</span></b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Since 2011 Dibs, I've done a New Year's theme. This year's which I set last December was "The Destination is There." I've done this because I found that it makes resolutions a little easier to follow through in the year. 2017 lived up to its theme for me. I've found that sometimes it's easier to resolve the year by making it into a theme.</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>2011 Dibs:</b> <a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/10/keeping-train-of-thought-and-keeping-on.html">Worst year ever</a>! Last spoken words that year as ball dropped? "DIBS!"&nbsp;2011 was one of my worst years on record, and it came due to career path and other choices. Late in the year, I had chosen an entirely different journey which brought me back to Chicago. In 2011, I was living in Brunswick OH (south of Cleveland). I worked downtown at a company called Broadvox but, just as we all do, I learned from my mistake switching jobs in August of that year. The company I went with does not even deserve to be mentioned here. Even though it was a pitfall in my life, it also became a shining light at the end of the tunnel. November 15 is celebrated as my Chicago-versary. Luckily, that light at the end of the tunnel was not an oncoming train, but I did stay on track after my 38th birthday on October 13. By NYE 2011, I was hoping for a different journey in life and I called out DIBS as the ball dropped to usher in 2012. No one in the room knew what that meant, only I did. I didn't belong in Cleveland anymore. The destination was not there.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>2012 Welcome home:</b>&nbsp;<a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-life-starts-at-water-tower-in-chicago.html">In 2012</a>, I visited Chicago for the first time since 1996 when I last lived here. I was here for job interviews. In April 2012, I packed up my place in Brunswick OH and moved. I started my Chicago Journey by moving to Darien IL for a couple years before moving back into the City. 2012 was a brand new start and a fresh start to pick up the pieces from 15 broken years of my life.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>2013 A Resolution in High Definition:</b> <a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-resolution-in-high-definition.html">I picked</a> this theme in 2013 to represent all the new changes and exciting things happening in my life. That year, I was part of a meetup group called Venture Around and it allowed me to explore Chicago and meet new people in the city. I also picked that theme because the Sears Tower is the tallest building in Chicago and I once wrote about towers and prayer. Towers allow us to see down the road further and to see what lies ahead. If you want to capture the world in High Definition, climb a tower.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>2014 It's Time:</b> <a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2014/01/now-is-time.html">The year started</a> out with a very foreboding feeling and it really felt like the year was off and time was short.&nbsp; Since then, each year, I've gotten this ill-foreboding year including this one. In 2014, I moved into the city to Albany Park, where I am currently residing now. 2014 was not an uppity year. Work took me away to different parts of the country each week, and it was a depressing year.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>2015 Twelve Moons:</b> In January, I started with IPsoft. It started off great and got me back into the swing of things and there wasn't weekly travel, so it was nice to enjoy life in Chicago again and be put in charge of the meetup group called "1001 Things to See in Chicago before You Die." 2015 was a very positive year! I got out more.&nbsp; The only blog I wrote in 2015 was about the <a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2015_10_01_archive.html">Blood Moon</a>. I took a lot of photos that year and I composed a <a href="https://youtu.be/HX7aUeoC0vg">YouTube</a> video of my work.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>2016 A Letter from the Front:</b> <a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2016/12/a-letter-from-front.html">The theme</a> for this year came from a Mylon and Broken Heart song, which I heard on my MP3 player on NYE 2015 as I was riding home on the Brown Line one night after work. The year was a challenging one.&nbsp; I fought many battles, mainly with health and career. I overcame some of the health issues and I overcame the career change late in the year in September. The chorus of the song reminds us to "keep the home fires burning."</div><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">2018 Give Way! Setting Goals...</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bpN4oE6ZeRg/Wk7oUPDKRNI/AAAAAAABXrk/RulcYlL1XVYiqeRXcoLyxfTSbSGhofI2QCLcBGAs/s1600/20161121_121146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bpN4oE6ZeRg/Wk7oUPDKRNI/AAAAAAABXrk/RulcYlL1XVYiqeRXcoLyxfTSbSGhofI2QCLcBGAs/s640/20161121_121146.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Going up to 17 in 2017</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Destination 17!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Merchandise Mart</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We Are VelocityEHS</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So now we come down to it. 2018 Give Way! What goals do I have this year? I walked into the year alone, I will walk into 2018 alone, but maybe that'll change this year...</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">• "Can't. Can't? Can." The power of the Cross. Dive deeper in faith. 2017 version of this goal smacked me in the face this past summer. Calm the storms in my life, Lord. 2017 was filled with a lot of anxiety and disbelief. This goal came into effect in a Small Group while diving into the book of Romans in October. <i>Thanks Zac Coleman, Michael Lawrence and Jeff Korhorn!</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">• "Snubbed? Brushed off? Meekly stand out." Endeavor to find deep meaningful relationships, and people worth your time and effort. If it means eliminating a lot of people from your life, do it. This one ties in with "Identity Rescue." I've already taken measure to keeping those loved ones in my life but letting the other "clutter" go. <i>Thanks Karen Sobolewski ... again!</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">• "Stop setting a goal to find love. It's out there." It's taken 11 seasons of X-Files for Mulder and Scully to get the truth and they still don't have it all. I will be signing up for the full membership on eHarmony but I need to stop making it goal. This almost sounds like a conundrum of a goal, but I know how I see it in my head lol. <i>Thanks Shannon Kuehn!</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">• "A smile kills a thousand ills." Volunteer. Help. Grace. Mercy. Charity. Sometimes, even a warm smile brightens someone's day. This one speaks for itself. In my search to find my purpose and meaning in Chicago, it starts with a smile. <i>Thanks Therie Yi-Shin Lai ... again!</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">• "Identity Rescue." With Identity Theft this year, this involves many things. Stop being in crowds of people that make you alone. Not only does this reflect on my own identity theft in October, but also with who I am as a person and the 2017 goal about resilience.&nbsp;<i>Thanks fellow INFJs, Chris Johnson and Tim Fargo!&nbsp;</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">• "Location. Location" Do I move back to Waterfall Glen or stay in the city? The awful neighbors I once had are not a problem now. So question now; stay or leave? <i>Thanks New Neighbor, Steve London, Keller-Williams Realty, Silver Property Group!</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">• "Forgiveness. Take a chance and move on." There are still a lot of people I need to forgive, but that doesn't mean resuming a previous friendship or relationship. My Mom and I discussed this over Christmas. <i>Thanks Mom!</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">• "We are VelocityEHS." This goal covers job success, health and vitality. It's a subset of my career goals with VelocityEHS. My company has very humanistic goals, the only company I've worked with that has goals that make sense as a human being and common sense, not just for a company but in everyday life! "Be humble" and "Choose simple" are two I'm pulling out of there to focus on the most. <i>Thanks VelocityEHS!</i><br /><i><br /></i>• "In a twinkling of the shutter." Shutterfest with Rich. Photography. Continue on with landscaping and portrait shoots. Develop (no pun intended) business relationships, find ways to market, sell my photography, and start a new FB page strictly for photography contacts and clients. "Eric R. Chatham" is a brand name. Make it one!&nbsp;<i>Thanks Richard Trigg.&nbsp;</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">• "To thine own self be true." 2017 was a year of doctors and health issues. Not only continue with a healthy lifestyle of exercise, dieting, weight loss, but becoming a better coach to my health issues and autoimmune disease. <i>Thanks Dr Kenneth Gong and Dr Jang-Mi Johnson!</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-44y1qINDGfw/Wk7te19D_aI/AAAAAAABXsA/C0b1i2bH4isxNlFL8Z44XG5FEo8LhsuOQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_3288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-44y1qINDGfw/Wk7te19D_aI/AAAAAAABXsA/C0b1i2bH4isxNlFL8Z44XG5FEo8LhsuOQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_3288.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />2018 Give Way! Goals locked in! Thank you for reading this blog if you indeed read it all. I intend to "give way" but it's my hope that others in my life do the same. What will you do for the new year?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">2018 GIVE WAY!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!</span></b></div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RicChatham1013"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPP6SRT8mfY/URSDP7VGspI/AAAAAAAALO4/tkmLnmNM8s4/s1600/facebook-icon-25px.gif" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://plus.google.com/+EricChatham/"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eosiN9hkL1g/UwA97lziHzI/AAAAAAAAc_w/8mSg7Jb73LY/s1600/gplus-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://foursquare.com/user/29100101"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZmjRClf0XA/URSDWIlhFFI/AAAAAAAALPA/sDAblL-jdTc/s1600/foursquare-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ericrchatham"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LwcLDEwkQk/URSDdp6ss-I/AAAAAAAALPI/-aLb0I_PiFE/s1600/linked-icon-25px.gif" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.shekinya.net/"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7C2KjSQbMI/URSDkVeoieI/AAAAAAAALPQ/7BUwkwqwWII/s1600/shekinya-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/anelfinphile"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-euhpUUCymoM/URSDp6hhrqI/AAAAAAAALPY/FGYa3-Ml9AU/s1600/you-tube-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.sports-tracker.com/#/view_profile/echatham1013"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv3iS_Rf2Qc/URSIbJOWvYI/AAAAAAAALQQ/sljM9cUtrgs/s1600/sports-tracker-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.meetup.com/VentureAround/"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZcaiMdS57A/UXHteVWaJPI/AAAAAAAAOkA/xhbVgYpnHMI/s1600/meetupicon.png" /></a></td> </tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;;">Connect to me elsewhere at your own risk.</span></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;;">FOUNDATIONAL BLOGS</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: small;"><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-life-starts-at-water-tower-in-chicago.html">My Life starts at the Chicago Water Tower!</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/mark-0000-last-0-is-for-time-parameter.html">Mark 0, 0, 0, 0. The last 0 is for the time parameter</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/10/keeping-train-of-thought-and-keeping-on.html">Keeping a train of thought and keeping on track.</a></span>Eric Chathamhttps://plus.google.com/103180783527067419905noreply@blogger.com3Albany Park, Chicago, IL, USA41.9689723 -87.71972449999998441.9217483 -87.800405499999982 42.0161963 -87.639043499999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877632834855922254.post-26481819328940986092017-11-24T16:00:00.000-06:002017-12-03T13:15:10.030-06:00Never Get Beyond The Sight!<b>2017 The Destination is There.</b><br /><b><br /></b> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-THSg8iKAgHg/Wguh7YYZZmI/AAAAAAABVvc/VjVqav1RXZA51AefINlYOXi_4PL5WAQygCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-THSg8iKAgHg/Wguh7YYZZmI/AAAAAAABVvc/VjVqav1RXZA51AefINlYOXi_4PL5WAQygCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0706.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nobody ever leaves the Circle</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Never get away from the Stones</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Avebury, Wiltshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 12, 2017</span></div><br /><b>Dark Corners &amp; Mountain Tops by Cut Copy</b><br /><i>Don't meddle with the stones! Leave the stones alone!</i><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>"Leave? What do you mean leave? Leave the circle? Leave Milbury? Leave? Leave the stones? You never will. Nobody leaves the circle. Wherever you go; the Avenue, the Sanctuary, the Barrow, never get away from the stones. Never get beyond their sight, boy. Never out of their grasp. Nobody ever leaves the circle. Not until the day of release." Dai, the Barber-Surgeon. Children of the Stones.</i></div><b><i><br /></i></b><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Hello everyone. Full steam ahead 2017! We're running out of year!</i></b>&nbsp;The rooster is crowing his last. I had to look at my calendar the other day because I needed to plan the holiday in December. I just can't believe this year is nearly gone. The Destination is There. The Destination is nearly There. October and November were great months! Work has been keeping busy and life in general has been busy as well. What a year it has been! <i>The Destination is nearly There. The Destination is nearly Ended!</i> The title and opening of this blog refers to a series that aired on Nickelodeon in 1983 with the "Third Eye Series," called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwT0wLnT7Rc">Children of the Stones</a>&nbsp;[watch on YouTube]. The series aired in the UK in 1977 originally. Ha, I was 4 years old and living in Hawaii in 1977. I used this as the title because in reality, THIS WAS MY FIRST EVER BUCKET LIST ITEM when I was a kid. I watched this series on Nickelodeon and when I found out Milbury (name of the town in the series) aka Avebury was an actual place in the UK, I remember telling myself, "I would love to go there someday." I finally did in October the week of my 44th birthday. <i>This blog is kind of a "tl;dr" type so read and digest accordingly. You've been warned...</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You've felt in your spirit</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>God's shown you something new</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Something no one else has thought of</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>But only you can do</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>But as your desire grew</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You got a little depressed</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>'Cause you found no destination</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>For your dreams to manifest</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Chorus:</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Your desire is the confirmation the destination is there</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>God wouldn't put it in your spirit if it wasn't going nowhere</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>So set your sights on the promises and don't you be scared</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>'Cause your desire is the confirmation the destination is there</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The vision's for a certain hour</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I know it won't be late</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>His promises will strengthen you</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>If only you will wait</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Don't follow someone else's dreams</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Keep your own in sight</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>For the vision that God gives you</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Will keep you all your life</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Carman</i><br /><i>The Destination is There</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The Champion</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>For my birthday this year which was Friday the 13th, October, I spent a couple weeks in the United Kingdom.</i></b> I've had some notable birthdays, but I wanted to make this year a special one and visit another country. It was a great time and it was the first time I experienced another country. I stayed in Avebury, Wiltshire at a B&amp;B and did all my own driving -- on the wrong side of the road. The last two days, I spent the days in London when Ophelia hit, so all the pictures I took in London have apocalyptic, looking skies. I started my trip in Avebury and toured the Avebury Stonehenge; went to Stonehenge in Salisbury Plains, went to Devizes, Nottingham (ancestors), Gosport, London. Why Gosport you're thinking? I met a friend there who I first met online through Wizards of the Coast, AIM, Yahoo! Messenger and MSN Messenger back in 2001. Since then, we've maintained an online friendship. 16 years later, we finally met in person! Amazing experience and seeing her too. Thank you Debb aka Bobbsta! I visited Nottingham because that's where the Chathams came from originally before immigrating to the US.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-16-LwffXWu4/WhdchyHYCZI/AAAAAAABWAM/vg8bw-yIdl85IOnY3IvvoYcbAXmbZlXQwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171011_123742-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-16-LwffXWu4/WhdchyHYCZI/AAAAAAABWAM/vg8bw-yIdl85IOnY3IvvoYcbAXmbZlXQwCLcBGAs/s400/20171011_123742-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I didn't get zapped either...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Avebury Stone Circle</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Avebury, Wiltshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 11, 2017</span></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">After my last blog <a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2017/09/chicago-day-1973.html">Chicago Day 1973</a>, I started attending Small Groups with <a href="http://destinationchurch.org/">Destination Church</a> and they have been absolutely amazing; I'm hoping as the new year comes, I start making new friends with people in the church. I joined two of them but as of late October, I dropped out of one because it was just too much and I had something happen to me right after my trip in England on October 27th. I still attend the Tuesday evening one, <a href="https://destinationchicago.churchcenter.com/groups/small-groups-fall-2017/tue01-romans">TUE01-ROMANS</a>. This blog will sum up my experience in the United Kingdom for my birthday, being visited by <i>Hurricane Ophelia in London</i> there, life at VelocityEHS, my Chicago-versary, and even the bad: My Identity was stolen right after returning from my trip in the UK!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: start;"><b>Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac</b></div><div style="text-align: start;"><i>November 15 is my Chicago-versary!</i></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;">Stuck in a Time Loop...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOLyS54DEH0/WhhsHmFxs7I/AAAAAAABWDQ/gPjXFXvwSjYbQKsqSscPhq8PsldZc8F6gCLcBGAs/s1600/s25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="844" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOLyS54DEH0/WhhsHmFxs7I/AAAAAAABWDQ/gPjXFXvwSjYbQKsqSscPhq8PsldZc8F6gCLcBGAs/s640/s25.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Trapped in a Time Loop</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Village of Ancient Milbury</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Children of the Stones</span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This picture was taken from the <i>Children of the Stones</i> series. It represents Milbury in ancient times. Just as in the painting there, was sort of like my life. I was trapped in a TIME LOOP of my own just like this village was trapped. As you know, I travelled this year for my birthday to England for my vacation ... holiday. I stayed in Avebury for the duration of the trip at a B&amp;B there. Avebury was my first bucket list item I made as a kid of 10 or 11 years old. <i>By the way, Avebury is Milbury from the TV Series.</i> It's interesting how this works out because I was originally fascinated by Avebury from the TV Series called "Children of the Stones." I first watched it when Nickelodeon first came out and, for those that remember, when it shared network space with A&amp;E for a time before getting its own station.&nbsp; Anyhow, Nickelodeon came on at 7pm in the evening after A&amp;E. The two shows they aired were "You can't do that on television" and "Third Eye." We watched them both as kids (my brothers and me). In the Third Eye series, they aired the 1977 Children of the Stones UK series as one of stories in the program. Third Eye dealt with kids with psychic powers. In the "Children of the Stones," the kid with psychic powers was Matthew Brake, son of astro-physicist, Adam Brake (note the last name at this point). The story goes like this basically. The father/son duo enter into the sleepy country village of Milbury (Avebury) and go there to investigate the Stone Circle which connects several ley lines. This was a fascinating series to watch. As a kid, the story was too complex but later on I would buy it on DVD and watch it again and understand the story better. Probably one of the most memorable is the neolithic music score in the series. It was very haunting, spine-tingling, chilly and unforgettable!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vplOWCm9DC8/WhhsRyesFxI/AAAAAAABWDU/woM8x3ZVpTMDZVPf0z0q63D5achqYafvgCLcBGAs/s1600/children-of-the-stones-itv-1977-iain-cuthbertson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="700" height="221" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vplOWCm9DC8/WhhsRyesFxI/AAAAAAABWDU/woM8x3ZVpTMDZVPf0z0q63D5achqYafvgCLcBGAs/s400/children-of-the-stones-itv-1977-iain-cuthbertson.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It is time!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Iain Cuthbertson</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">as Rafael Hendrick</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Milbury, England</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Children of the Stones</span></div><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Of Landlords that appear out of thin air, hostesses that stand in the middle of the road as a stone statue, super-intelligent children, and lorries that disappear into thin air, the Brakes are immediately encountered with the mystery of the Stone Circle.</i>&nbsp;It turns out that the events that are happening in the circle are repeating from history and they later learn they are trapped in a TIME LOOP with no escape. The town is in some sort of psychic bubble. They are given help by the prophetic Dai, the Barber-Surgeon. What the Brakes soon realize is TIME IS REPEATING itself again and they have to find a way out before they are trapped and lost forever in the Stone Circle. Finally, the Brakes learn how to break the time loop and escape. The stones of the circle align with a blackhole in the Big Dipper each night and the Landlord aka Druid who is in charge of all that's going on makes note of the times the town lines up with the blackhole each night. The town sits on top of a neolithic-built "radar dish" that projects a beam of energy into the blackhole each alignment. The ley lines that power the stones are part of bringing energy to the dish and changing the townsfolk into "Happy Day" people, and they are controlled by the Landlord, ala bent-on-take-over-the-world. The Brakes trick the Landlord and change the times of his clocks, so that the alignment doesn't occur as scheduled. They manage to break free, escape being turned to stone and they flee the stone circle down the Avenue to the Sanctuary, just as Dai suggested previously. In the painting, you can see two fleeing the doom on the Avenue out of Milbury. The Brakes break free...put the brakes on the time loop and escape! If you watch the series, be sure you follow the drawing of "the broken cycle." It foreshadows the ending.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was trapped in a "time loop" of my own just like the Brakes were in Children of the Stones. It's very interesting that I made the connection to the TV Series and my November 15 time loop when I came back from England and after November 15 passed this year. Coincidence ... or another Time Loop? Lol.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>So, where does this take me and my story?</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It starts on November 15, but which year? 1996 or 2011? This is a special day for me and I'm sharing my story. It ranks up there more than my birthday which technically is my Mom's day. I hope those of you out there understand why this day is very important to me. I know a couple people that have dealt with suicide, attempted suicide, anxiety, depression, dark corners of the mind, etc. I lost a friend to suicide this past March. I also had an Uncle that shot himself. It hurts! 2011 was that year for me -- more specifically starting the day of my birthday.</div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LGUG3Sx5fnA/WhdmEM_JsvI/AAAAAAABWA8/Dx1kZqUMi70Fd8Kakjuv80gRE8uLHqfVACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMAG0120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LGUG3Sx5fnA/WhdmEM_JsvI/AAAAAAABWA8/Dx1kZqUMi70Fd8Kakjuv80gRE8uLHqfVACEwYBhgL/s640/IMAG0120.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A sun sets on a chapter of my life</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hinckley Lake</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hinckley OH</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">November 15, 2011</span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You go through life. You question why things turn so badly for you. You watch others and the blessing they have, the attention they get, the praise they get. You look at the reflection of yourself in the mirror but it's dismally dark and dispirited. Life smacks you down. Why do others get the things they want in life, but here you are working your ass off for just a piece of it? In 2011, I was working at Broadvox in Cleveland OH. Job was good but I was severely underpaid. I thought I had accomplished all I could up to that point, repairing all the damage I did to my life. No. The trigger? Being fired from another job which I thought was the direction I needed to be. It all led up to this point and, of course, being fired on your birthday doesn't help either. <b><i>WHY? WHY? WHY?</i></b> There was no reason for it but I was gone, just like that.</div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">That week of November 11, 2011, to me, it was a dark abyss and I didn't care anymore. I wanted it all to end. I worked hard to fix all the broken things in my life (which oddly started from the November 15, 1996 date -- little did I know). I blame myself many times. So each night I went to bed, I thought more and more about how to just end it all; sure the fears were there and the uncertainties. This was a very, dark me. Where was God in all this? Didn't he even care. I looked at my reflection. It was hopeless. It needed to end. It's interesting to note here but November 13 I had that really "peaceful" dream that made me think that morning. It's amazing how quickly I forgot about that day and the next day. It wouldn't be until November 16 where I made the connections. November 14 being the darkest day of my life, I just knew there was no way out of this and it had to end, and I nearly went through with my dark plan; it didn't and the story continued the next day. <i>I got help that night. That was not the way out of the time loop...</i></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">November 15 came on schedule and God's timing -- LITTLE DID I KNOW. I keep saying that because I had not yet even made the 15 year precedence. That morning, I remember I went to Hinckley Lake for job hunting. I took my phone, resume, portfolio and ads to the Lake. I needed to change things up a bit considering the dark night before instead of staying in my apartment. <i>I should point out but I spoke with a recruiter that morning offering me a job in Chicago.</i>&nbsp;So, what changed this? GOD! God changed this. He reached down to my lowest that November 15, 2011 night where I cried for the first time in a long time. I fell to my knees that night and cried out to Him. He not only did that, but his timing was perfect because, LITTLE DID I KNOW, but it was November 15th AGAIN, but 15 years later.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The TIME LOOP was broken this time!</b></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nfXhx1hztY8/WhdmKz5KEVI/AAAAAAABWBA/2NZnWDNVSjYu17sK5vIp1vLqaoOHZ-J6wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG0118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nfXhx1hztY8/WhdmKz5KEVI/AAAAAAABWBA/2NZnWDNVSjYu17sK5vIp1vLqaoOHZ-J6wCLcBGAs/s640/IMAG0118.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sunrise over Prairewood</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">E. Troy WI</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">November 15, 1996</span></b></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;"><i>"Remember that day 15 years ago? This is your do-over. Don't botch it up this time." My soul.</i></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">THE SUNRISE PHOTO WITH THE SILO: I took that picture with a film camera the morning time froze in my life on November 15, 1996. What was the significance at the time? I think I wanted to remember the day I gave up and RAN AWAY from all my problems, because that's what I did and I believe TIME FROZE that crisp Autumn morning in E. Troy WI; however, it was a far greater reason for later. I drove back to Cleveland that morning, passing through Chicago one last time, the place I failed the first time. "Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac" plays in the U-Haul through Chicago; it is burned into my heart THAT VERY DAY. That picture has graced the wall of each apartment I've lived in, including the current one. I marked the date on the back after my Dad had it developed and framed for me, which was another reason for later. I still didn't realize the full importance of that picture until THAT DAY 15 years later! I have the Great Chicago Willow Dream the morning of November 13, 2011 (one month after my worst birthday).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Hmmm. We seem to have thrown a spanner." Adam Brake.</div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While I'm down on my knees the night of November 15, 2011, God quieted my soul and I was drawn to the picture hanging in my Brunswick OH apartment. I focused on that day I took the photo remembering ALL MY FAILURES. It hits you like a flood! Then, I realized "Hey wait a minute, I put the date on the back." GULP, "November 15, 1996, Sunrise over Prairiewood. E. Troy WI."</div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">That was not an accident. I always like to refer to Psalm 139 for this explanation and with hope for anyone struggling with darkness. That's this event to its fullest. So, I say to anyone now; I've been there. I know EXACTLY how you feel. I attempted it but I saw a light! I pray and hope the same for you. Thank you Karen Sobolewski for those late night talks that November 2011 week! You were a big help to me. Chicago was the answer to this but it's not Neverland, and I truly believe that I was brought back here for a reason and it tied in with the November 15, 1996 date where I know I failed and ran away from it all ala consequences. My light -- or WIND -- just happened to be Chicago.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Circle by 65dBA</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>I am fearfully and wonderfully made!</i></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139">PSALM 139</a>:</div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>For you created my inmost being;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>you knit me together in my mother’s womb.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>your works are wonderful,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I know that full well.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>15 My frame was not hidden from you</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>when I was made in the secret place,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>all the days ordained for me were written in your book</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>before one of them came to be.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>How vast is the sum of them!</i></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v1fnyu1Uabc/WhdlXOp8GlI/AAAAAAABWA0/OindgWZIsZw-Z9v-mM8JtbHW8mtMv-W5gCLcBGAs/s1600/imageedit_4_8694101709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="844" height="420" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v1fnyu1Uabc/WhdlXOp8GlI/AAAAAAABWA0/OindgWZIsZw-Z9v-mM8JtbHW8mtMv-W5gCLcBGAs/s640/imageedit_4_8694101709.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Project Semicolon</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">West Town Tattoo</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">West Town, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">November 18, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>October 13, 2011 (yeah, it was my worst birthday),</i> I was fired from a job without any reason. It led to a very dark time in my life -- very dark! Some of you here helped me through it. After all I had been through in my life, all the misfortune, bad luck, the distress, having 3 jobs at once and going to school. I thought by August 2011, I had worked hard enough to earn some peace from all that. I left Broadvox in August, thinking I was going somewhere "better." Life throws you a curve and it's busy while you make other plans. In short, I spiraled down into nothingness after my birthday that year. Worst birthday on record...EVER!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some of you know the meaning of the semi-colon on one's wrist. I encourage you to ask someone if you see it. Ask them "how long has it been since that?" They'd be surprised you knew what that was. I've considered doing the same thing recently. My story ( ; ) would probably start on November 15, 2011. November 14, I could've ended it and it was a VERY dark day for me and I almost went through with it, but that's what the semicolon is. It continues my story. By personal recommendation from my coworker and friend, Joe, I went to West Town Tattoo on November 18 to commerate the event. I don't normally tattoo my body, but I needed to finally do this. Sorry, Michael Lawrence we didn't get to do this together. I didn't want to put it off anymore.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;"><i>2017 Goal:&nbsp;If there is one thing Chicago has taught me is resilience and a certain kind of stubbornness. So, continuing on to not be a door mat and have a little dignity is not a bad thing either. Thank you, Karen Sobolewski for always being supportive of my decisions and pointing me in a self-respectful lifestyle!</i></blockquote><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Secret Call by Ginkgo Garden</b><br /><i>You are an overcomer.</i><br /><br />Actually it WAS Karen Sobolewski that helped me through that night and she's been very supportive, even with the tattoo. So, this goal, unbeknownst to me, does tie oddly into this. I never considered that when I made the goal last December, but now see it when going back to review it. Getting the tattoo was a bit painful and it reminded me of that day actually where the story could've ended. It was put on the same wrist as well. Actually, I can't get over all the support for doing this. It's been a real encouragement and I know one other person that has the semicolon tattoo, a former co-worker. I remember asking him about it and he was the first one actually to encourage me to get it! Thanks, IPsoft! The whole story about my November 15 journey and the poem I wrote about it appear in the blog,&nbsp;<a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2013/11/and-only-i-remain.html">And, only I remain</a> in November 2013.</div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRgQXaj7xVk/WhdlJVgaxVI/AAAAAAABWAw/WbY77x-5oP4hXUkNtIQcyOm2ytNLVQp0ACLcBGAs/s1600/imageedit_2_7474933356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="844" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VRgQXaj7xVk/WhdlJVgaxVI/AAAAAAABWAw/WbY77x-5oP4hXUkNtIQcyOm2ytNLVQp0ACLcBGAs/s400/imageedit_2_7474933356.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Time unfrozen</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Albany Park, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">November 18, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>November 13, 2011 (yeah, exactly a month later).</i> I woke up from a dream that morning. After all the dark thoughts I had that entire month, it was a different dream and TOTALLY unexpected considering the state of mind I was in. I think the timing was perfect in its delivery because two days later, my life would take a LOOP back from November 15, 1996, 15 years earlier, where this ALL STARTED and where I believe my life froze -- little did I know at the time! This all makes me think of Psalm 139 again. God knows every detail of my life.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Dream Analysis 11/13/2011: "I recall my Sunday Night/Monday Morning dream. In one segment, I was sitting on some sort of cliff and the area was fairly wooded. Below me was the edge of what I heard someone in my dream say it was "Lake Michigan," although it looked somewhat like a portion of Hinckley Lake to me. It was a bit marshy portion of the lake and I remember seeing some towering willow trees in the marshy portion which was 10 feet from the side I was on. It was a narrow portion of the lake. The trees were very tall. I was sitting on the cliff, just south of the gigantic willow trees and I noticed the wind picking up and blowing the tops of the trees down towards some other people sitting on the cliff (north of me). The wind was strong enough to bend the branches down and the leaves of the trees flailed around towards the people there. I didn’t feel the wind as it blew. Then, suddenly, the wind shifted directly at me and the willow trees stretched out towards me; branches bending down, leaves flailing in the wind. I felt the impact of the wind in my dream. It felt strong enough to where I actually felt like I was being whisked away. I woke up and pondered for a bit. I didn’t recall it until now. Yesterday (11/15) I got a call from a recruiter in Chicago."</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Day of Release!</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Later, I interpreted the dream. The Wind was Chicago in that dream. With all that means, I still don't know what my purpose here is! I failed the first time I lived here in 1996, so maybe it's connected. That's all I know. The poem I later wrote in November 2013 was not a poem about being alone; it was about overcoming and standing strong after trials and adversity. Only I remain.<b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Have an expected End; don't have a terminal End.</b></div><div style="text-align: start;">The picture here says it all about my dream that morning:<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yTSgu_IkRoE/WhdkhpTwvbI/AAAAAAABWAo/0gpwP-cgvVcZ2lAEikLTIZ_pvQ6--JqgQCLcBGAs/s1600/chidream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="960" height="250" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yTSgu_IkRoE/WhdkhpTwvbI/AAAAAAABWAo/0gpwP-cgvVcZ2lAEikLTIZ_pvQ6--JqgQCLcBGAs/s640/chidream.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The soul knows what it needs to thrive</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Why so downcast, oh my soul? Put your hope in God.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">November 13, 2011</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"...And, only I shall remain."</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Poem By: Eric Chatham</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Out of the frying pan and into the crucible of fire with its refining heat,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>its agonizing sting, its painful burn, melting away the rough edges,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The chaff and the impossible fray;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>There was I, and only I shall remain.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And, after that fire blazed away, there were the ashes, the embers, a death,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The gripping choke of dark smoke;&nbsp;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And then there was I; and only I remain!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Standing there as the floodgates of time rushed through me with its fears,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>bitter tears, tragic regrets, and its teeth that devour; there was I, and only I remain!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And, sitting there over a vast Lake on a cliff up so high</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Amidst a grand forest of weeping willows;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Do I fall and drown?&nbsp; Do I spiral downward to my doom?"</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"No. Watch the Willow Trees," the Wind speaks to me;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>It blows through them and they stretch forth towards me,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Forcing me away from my terminal End;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Now, listen to the Willows as they speak of our refreshing wind,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A breeze of a new hope and future to your ears," said the Wind;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Listen close to their call, they whisper the name 'Chicago,'</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And they remind you of your past. 'Remember of that Day long ago?</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Look past it.&nbsp; This now and here is your destined promise,' they tell of you.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>'Do this well and to a victorious and expected End.'"</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Flailing about their majestic branches of the Wind were their lively leaves,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>threads of dreams and tomorrow, and they reached out to embrace me;&nbsp;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Then there was I; and, only I remain.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>So, to the top of the tower of hope I climb, far above the world below,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ascending towards the heavens, close to eternity, seeing the world</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Which lies ahead and my future, beholding its glory;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>There was I, and only I remain!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And so it became of me; standing confidently</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Up so high on a tower over a City so vast,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Daring to take a new stand with the warmth of the sun</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And its rays of new hopes and dreams,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>There was only I; and, only I remain;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And, there I shall prevail!</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VwC65BZJzgg/WhdxVxAa_XI/AAAAAAABWBQ/om3_UfkO0TwtOO5uDiRyOzuWzRLkgGBKQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VwC65BZJzgg/WhdxVxAa_XI/AAAAAAABWBQ/om3_UfkO0TwtOO5uDiRyOzuWzRLkgGBKQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0343.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Nobody leaves the circle. Not until the day of release." Dai. Children of the Stones.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Barber-Surgeon Sarsen Stone</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Avebury, Wiltshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 11, 2017</span></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Where are You Going by World Wide Message Tribe</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>The Destination is England!</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The journey for England actually started earlier this year in March when I filled out US Passport papers to get my first US Passport. I remember a couple trips to the Richard Daley Center, the courthouse downtown, filling out the paperwork and submitting my information. There the process and the journey had its start. With one bump in the road, getting that cleared with one phone call to Raleigh NC (the State of my birth), since my birth record was not the right one submitted, I obtained my first ever US Passport on June 12. The trip began. I had already been planning and booking my trip in May. I had help with my trip from friend and co-worker, Chris Johnson, who is from the UK. He gave me pointers and tips how to help save money.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>2017 Goal:&nbsp;"Happy Now? Happy Later?" Happy Now! Todd, if you're reading this, you remember when you said this to me 10 years ago, and I said Happy Later? I'm making it a goal in 2017. I still don't know to this day why you asked me this, but it has made me think about my own happiness lately. Thank you, Todd E. Florian</i></blockquote></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-raPU9fQ_5u4/WhXWyJBSXnI/AAAAAAABV90/bbS2zE1qspAEA4BT220eRXKlwO97cbThwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171010_020118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-raPU9fQ_5u4/WhXWyJBSXnI/AAAAAAABV90/bbS2zE1qspAEA4BT220eRXKlwO97cbThwCLcBGAs/s640/20171010_020118.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sunrise over strange skies!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Flying somewhere over the Irish Sea</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Destination is England</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 10, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I booked a B&amp;B in, yeah, you guessed it, AVEBURY, lol. My flight path was ORD to MAN, not Heathrow. CJ said Manchester would be a cheaper bet, so I took him up on that. Also, to help save further, my flight out was Monday evening (cheaper than during the day and the weekend). That was step one. Step 2? Yeah, you guessed it. DRIVING IN ENGLAND -- ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD, lol. At the airport I reserved myself a car upon my arrival. Right there and then did I realize what that meant. I would have to drive in England. It wasn't so much driving on the left side as that being an issue. It was that right hand turn. Cross traffic (like our left turn here in the States). I kept drilling that into my head after the reservation lol. Right turn crosses over traffic! Little did I know at the time -- but later warned -- were the English roundabouts! They're all over there! So, I did some asking around like CJ and my friend Debb in England about the driving patterns. I'm here now, composing this blog. I survived it! Lol. <i>Actually, I caught myself 2 or 3 times on my trip turning right on the wrong side of the road. Luckily, I had oncoming traffic to remind me, "hey stupid, LEFT side of the road!" Ha! The roundabouts, well, it took some time to master those!</i><br /><br />This is a short video of my driving from Manchester Airport on the M6 towards Avebury, Wiltshire UK. It was my first experience driving on the wrong side of the road, and I learned to "give way" to all lorries. They signal and don't wait to change lanes. The trip was 3 hours, and I drove past Stafford, Birmingham and Cheltenham. <i>"Don't stand. Don't stand. Don't stand so close to me." The Police.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_lxd4OibdFA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_lxd4OibdFA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Destination England</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Driving the M6 near Stafford</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Going to Avebury, Wiltshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 10, 2017</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The day of my flight, I slept some during the day but not too much. I knew I was going to have to force myself to stay up ala jet lag. So I took off at ORD On Monday, October 9, and arrived in England early that morning (it was a short night) around 9am on the 10th. The flight was smooth and I sat next to some Irish blokes who were friendly. We talked and I told them it was my first time outside the US. Ok, laugh if you want, but as we crossed the Irish Sea and were landing in Manchester, I paid very close attention to how the traffic patterns looked with everyone driving on the motorways. Lol. We finally landed on a very dreary rainy day -- landed in Manchester. After going through customs (taking the non-EU entrance), I grabbed my baggage, I went to the rental agency to pick up the car. The attendant was very polite and formal. I noticed this trend for the whole week in England. Customs made me feel like I was a terrorist almost. If I were to pick a stern Brit on my trip, the lady at customs stands out for that.<br /><br />Please note, but after some of the places I went, you'll see "[.]" there. That's where I marked my travel path. It's a link and opens to Google Maps.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Is7_qBGgXYA/WhXjh1wGK6I/AAAAAAABV-E/T3Mo8cmoKbMo1cPlUr656wEnjXTOWrOUACLcBGAs/s1600/20171010_101104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Is7_qBGgXYA/WhXjh1wGK6I/AAAAAAABV-E/T3Mo8cmoKbMo1cPlUr656wEnjXTOWrOUACLcBGAs/s640/20171010_101104.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Don't play games with me put that steering wheel back where it belongs!"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Avis Rental - Manchester Airport</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Manchester, Lancashire&nbsp;UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 10, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>The driving began! The Destination was Avebury [<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Avis,+Ringway+Road,+Manchester+Airport,+Manchester+M22+5WH,+UK/Church+Lane,+East+Kennett,+Marlborough+SN8+4EY,+UK/@52.371613,-4.116471,7z/am=t/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x487a52abe239076b:0xbd9859f988a5b7d2!2m2!1d-2.2609252!2d53.3642926!1m5!1m1!1s0x48715ebd2cdf4425:0x2d34e73ac2076968!2m2!1d-1.831054!2d51.4061797!3e0">.</a>], Wiltshire.</i> </b>It was a 3 hour drive from the Airport on English Motorways and country roads! Thankfully, the international roaming worked on my phone for some of the trip but I relied mainly on the GPS in the Mercedes-Benz for all my navigation for the two weeks. It was easy to use and all I needed was the Post Code for my destinations. In this case, my Destinatinon from the airport to Avebury was SN8-4EY, the <a href="http://theoldforge-avebury.co.uk/">Old Forge</a>, Avebury. The drive wasn't bad, but I was somewhat tired from the flight. Driving on English Motorways wasn't too difficult. I learned two things: One, give way to all lorries (they signal and don't wait to change lanes). Two, I learned that slower traffic keeps to the left. If you want to pass, you pass on the right (not the left). What helped me the most getting into the mindset of English travel was THINK OPPOSITE. It helped. You exit the motorways on the left too, not the right.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I got to the <i><b>Old Forge</b></i> around 12pm. I was beyond tired at that point. I slept the rest of the day and through the night. The first couple nights, I woke up around 3am and found it hard to go back to sleep. I was wide awake. It was a six hour difference in time between Chicago and the UK and, yes, the Brits observer Daylight Savings Time just like we do here. Arriving at the B&amp;B was a nice treat. I was staying out in the English countryside and it was QUIET! No noise. The B&amp;B reminded me of staying at my Aunt's place in Hinckley OH during the Summer. It was an English Cottage and the door to my room, you had to duck a bit lol. Mind your head in other words.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-987gbfKoaNU/WhdOjMhSDsI/AAAAAAABV_Q/8pg7owKZ7LIJnCQoJVtLkiXrVEmMaXPhQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-987gbfKoaNU/WhdOjMhSDsI/AAAAAAABV_Q/8pg7owKZ7LIJnCQoJVtLkiXrVEmMaXPhQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0580.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Old Forge</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bed and Breakfast I stayed at</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Avebury, Wiltshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 12, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>October 11: Day 1. Avebury [<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Church+Lane,+East+Kennett,+Marlborough+SN8+4EY,+UK/SN8+1RE,+Green+St,+Avebury,+Marlborough,+UK/@51.4171526,-1.8604256,14z/am=t/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48715ebd2cdf4425:0x2d34e73ac2076968!2m2!1d-1.831054!2d51.4061797!1m5!1m1!1s0x48715c31859d8907:0xc5a0a50c8be6e8ac!2m2!1d-1.852661!2d51.4289306!3e0">.</a>] and Devizes [<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/SN8+1RE,+Green+St,+Avebury,+Marlborough,+UK/Caen+Hill+Cafe,+The+Locks,+Devizes,+UK/@51.3905496,-2.005329,12z/am=t/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48715c31859d8907:0xc5a0a50c8be6e8ac!2m2!1d-1.852661!2d51.4289306!1m5!1m1!1s0x4871623c5336d299:0xeed450b61687d6f!2m2!1d-2.0179948!2d51.3526119!3e0">.</a>].</i> Waking the next morning, I was greeted for breakfast by Nora and Leslie, the hosts of the B&amp;B. They were extremely friendly and I had spoken to Leslie a week prior to confirm my reservation. The hostess serving us breakfast was Sarah and right away she picked up on my accent and knew I wasn't local. She was very kind and friendly. On top of that, they were shocked I was by myself. I told them I needed to get away this year by myself and visit another country. They were extremely warm and friendly at that B&amp;B. That morning at breakfast, I overheard a couple talking about going to Avebury to tour the Stone Circle, which was my first spot to visit while in the UK. I turned around and offered them a ride into town since I was going that way. So, I met two new friends there, Polly and Vic Brown both English.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Destination is Avebury. I spent the day with Polly &amp; Vic in Avebury. We got there after breakfast and did a lot of sight seeing. We had a guided tour of the Avebury Stone Circle and we were given a little history of the Circle. Ultimately, the question on everyone's mind in the tour was simply, "what was the purpose?" The answer to that was "...we just don't really know." We walked the circle clockwise and I thought that was kind of funny. "We don't want to tour the circle counter-clockwise," the tour guide said. I also signed up for the English Trust membership and donated to help preserve the circle. After we spent the morning on our tour, Polly, Vic and me had lunch at the <a href="https://www.oldenglishinns.co.uk/our-locations/the-red-lion-avebury">Red Lion Avebury</a>. I had Lamb and chips. Doing it the British way, for the rest of my trip, I put vinegar on my chips (not ketchup). In fact, there in England, ketchup is not on the table; vinegar is! After lunch we did some more walking around the circle and taking pictures. Actually, I was really intrigued after the tour guide said and pointed to the Barber-Surgeon Sarsen. It made me think of the Children of the Stones series. They used the Barber-Surgeon in the story plot! And, just like in the series, there was some truth to it. They did indeed find remains of a person under one of the Sarsen stones (the Barber-Surgeon) just like in the story plot of Children of the Stones. The opening quote of the blog is a spoken line by Dai, the Welsh Barber-Surgeon in the series. Dai was played by Freddie Jones in the series. "Friends are far and few between, dear Matthew. If you want one, go to the Sanctuary...and wait. Dai will know. I will find you."<br /><br />We also spent a good portion touring the Avebury Manor, home to Alexander Keiller. He was the person that introduced Marmalade to England and responsible for excavating the Stone Circle in Avebury. Behind the Manor House, there was a celestial compass in the yard. It made me think for a minute. Maybe the Stone Circle does align with something up there!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5C-dIttDu2I/WhYjZMovY4I/AAAAAAABV-s/WpsTmf0ebF8kJIYJQ53yMohd4jy_u0VNgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="423" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5C-dIttDu2I/WhYjZMovY4I/AAAAAAABV-s/WpsTmf0ebF8kJIYJQ53yMohd4jy_u0VNgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0684.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Avebury Sarsen Stones</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Avebury, Wiltshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 12, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the late afternoon, we drove over to Devizes. Originally, this was not on my list to see things but it was well worth it. We went to the Caen Hill Locks, got some nice photos. Actually, my whole trip was centered around "me and my camera." A lot of people were dumbfounded to see I made the trip alone. I told them all I needed to get away and it was my first trip outside the United States. In Devizes, I started paying more attention to the English dialects. I brought this up to Vic and Polly. They said, "yeah there are various accents throughout England." The accents in Devizes kind of sounded like a "southern dialect of English." I mentioned my friend Chris in the United States and described his accent. They said it's probably "Posh" associated with typical English Aristocracy. Proper lol. I said, "well you just described my friend Chris perfectly then," lol. We walked around Devizes the rest of the evening and took plenty of photos. It was great getting to know Vic and Polly. They were a big help and especially for giving me some tips for driving English roads and roundabouts. They joked later after I said, "I survived an English roundabout." Polly said, "WE survived as being your first passengers to say WE survived an English roundabout!" Ha!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hBP09Iil4yU/WhdR6zKfOwI/AAAAAAABV_c/FetBX84plAEdZXDerxfZgXKZu2e2qEHIQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="423" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hBP09Iil4yU/WhdR6zKfOwI/AAAAAAABV_c/FetBX84plAEdZXDerxfZgXKZu2e2qEHIQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0423.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thirty-Nine of Fifty</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Caen Hill Locks</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Devizes, Wiltshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 11, 2017</span></div><br />After leaving Caen Hill Locks, we walked around the city and I was just glad to be there to experience it all even if it weren't part of my trip plans. I learned something with this next photo. During WWII, the British melted down fences to use for artillery for the war effort. Here, you can see the stubs left over from that. After the day was finished, I had a small snack before bed and once again, I woke up wide awake at 3am lol. I think this was the only day since my arrival where that happened.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SMSpsjpQ8e4/WhdTBJSq7rI/AAAAAAABV_o/TSX7WiZTTcYPsbmZtM9SCRpTf8d6LcP9gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SMSpsjpQ8e4/WhdTBJSq7rI/AAAAAAABV_o/TSX7WiZTTcYPsbmZtM9SCRpTf8d6LcP9gCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0536.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">St. (sin) John's Church</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Artillery Shell Fence Stubs</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Devizes, Wiltshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 11, 2017</span></div><br /><i>October 12: Day 2. Avebury and Stonehenge.</i> While eating breakfast in the morning, I got a weather alert on my phone for "Hurricane Ophelia" to make landfall in the UK Monday the 16th. "Great," I thought. "I wonder what that will do for my travel." My plans for Day 2 were to go back to Avebury in the first part of the morning, then go over to Stonehenge in Salisbury Hills. So, after breakfast, I moved quick to get back over to Avebury and finish taking pictures of the Stone Circle. Going back to Avebury, I noticed how warm it was out. I walked around to all the places I missed the day before, including walking "The Avenue." The Avenue is stone-marked processional path from the stone circle to a place south of the circle called the Sanctuary.<br /><br />In this short video, I drive out of the B&amp;B into Avebury. The route I could've taken was more direct, but in the video, you'll hear me flip the blinker on and not make the turn. I changed my mind at that point and took the A4 up to A361 instead. This was so you could see Silbury Hill off to the right on the way... You're welcome.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HJs2gBswxwo/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HJs2gBswxwo?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Driving from Old Forge to Avebury</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">SN8 4EY to SN8 1RE</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Avebury, Wiltshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 12, 2017</span></div><i><br /></i><i>Interestingly, walking the Avenue, it was just like in the Children of the Stones again. This was the route Adam and Matthew Brake, the two main characters of the series, use to escape the cataclysm at the end of the series.</i> They flee the circle and run down "the Avenue" to the Sanctuary -- just like Dai encouraged earlier. While walking the Avenue, I bumped into a couple from Chicago!!! How interesting of that, right? It was just like the Time Turning of Children of the Stones. They were trapped in the Stone Circle too lol and trying to escape, because everyone in that series was trapped&nbsp; in time in the stone circle. The couple asked me how far the Avenue went. I said it goes over that hill and down to the Sanctuary. Right away they picked up on my accent. "You're not from around here." I responded, "No Chicago." Their faces lit up. "We're from there too." So apparently I'm neighbors to them and they live in Logan Square. It was fun meeting them. Along the Avenue, the cattle walked and grazed freely on the path. You could walk up the cow and pet them if you wanted to.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nSiq3XH6IDE/WhdYwxTA_iI/AAAAAAABWAA/QDbiWdVINS0KpMjtT_fywXHNrt2Qy6xEACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nSiq3XH6IDE/WhdYwxTA_iI/AAAAAAABWAA/QDbiWdVINS0KpMjtT_fywXHNrt2Qy6xEACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0743.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"We lost our way. We missed the time turning." Adam Brake.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Avenue to the Sanctuary</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Avebury, Wiltshire UK</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 12, 2017</span></div><br />The Avenue is marked off by Sarsens as in the picture here. After leaving the Avenue, I jumped into the car and drove down to Amesbury, Wiltshire [<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/SN8+1RE,+Green+St,+Avebury,+Marlborough,+UK/Stonehenge+Visitor+Centre,+A360,+Salisbury,+UK/@51.3058873,-2.1646713,10z/am=t/data=!3m1!4b1!4m15!4m14!1m5!1m1!1s0x48715c31859d8907:0xc5a0a50c8be6e8ac!2m2!1d-1.852661!2d51.4289306!1m5!1m1!1s0x4873e7c7729d788f:0x46df7c4042e0ca30!2m2!1d-1.8569631!2d51.1834302!3e0!5i1">.</a>] -- where I would get a flat tire lol. I noticed that my first two days of my trip were in the English County of Wiltshire just now ha.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jPUypsqfeMQ/WhdWpFTN57I/AAAAAAABV_0/hR7ldW-ma_AVoMktN9wsK5zAy5ou3NX5gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jPUypsqfeMQ/WhdWpFTN57I/AAAAAAABV_0/hR7ldW-ma_AVoMktN9wsK5zAy5ou3NX5gCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0787.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">What time is it again?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stonehenge Salisbury Plains</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Amesbury, Wiltshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 12, 2017</span></div><br />Arriving at <a href="http://visit-stonehenge.co.uk/stonehenge-advance-discount-tickets.htm">Stonehenge</a>, I was able to use my English Trust membership for admission into the site. Stonehenge is just off A303 and it made me think of my Mom and Dad for a minute ha. They live in Hinckley OH just off Ohio 303. I just thought that was funny.&nbsp; So waiting for the bus, the weather was really warm out. Yes, I did wear shorts but luckily there were actually some other Brits sporting shorts. For the most part, everyone bundled up like how we do in Chicago for mid winter.<br /><br />Stonehenge was more restrictive as far as touring went. You weren't allowed to go up to the Sarsens or touch the stones. In Avebury you were allowed to. Stonehenge was a lot more touristy than Avebury was. Figures ha. All in all though, the Stone Circle in Avebury was more interesting. Actually my friend Debb warned about this. She said they stopped letting tourists touching the stones and going up to them because they have been painted with graffiti by tourists. What a shame! After I got back to the Visitor Center, I took some more pictures of the huts that Stonehenge builders probably lived in. When I got back to the car, it had a flat tyre! Yeah, tyre, ha. Luckily, thinking this through beforehand, I had insurance on the car, so they were able to sent AA out to the scene to fix the flat. Unfortunately I would have to wait but, also, I'd have to wait the following day for them to get me a new tyre. They replaced the flat with a "donut." The technician that came to Stonehenge to help me with the flat tyre was really kind and proper. He looked at the flat. "Nicked a curb, you did?" He said in a thick English accent. "What do you mean?" He pointed out the flat was on the side of the tyre. He said that it wasn't uncommon; English roads are narrow and many times I was telling him I was hugging the curb because the center felt weird. He understood, having driven in Germany and saying the same thing. Germans drive on the right side like the US.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gOuA1aU02U/WhdfZhVZMqI/AAAAAAABWAY/CJ1DQhy-cUcwTZxIBG96MKjzpzsD0z4BQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6gOuA1aU02U/WhdfZhVZMqI/AAAAAAABWAY/CJ1DQhy-cUcwTZxIBG96MKjzpzsD0z4BQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0833.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Builder Huts at Stonehenge</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stonehenge Visitor Center</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Amesbury, Wiltshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 12, 2017</span></div><i><br /></i><i>Happy Birthday, me! October 13: Day 3. English Countryside.</i> Word got out about my birthday that morning, because the B&amp;B surprised me in the morning with a cake! I thanked them and they said I had mentioned it over the phone when I confirmed my reservation a week earlier. They didn't forget lol. I spent the first part of the day waiting for AA to come up and replace the tyre with a new one. I took the opportunity to do a lot of walking around the English countryside until then. So, for that day, I stuck around the B&amp;B and did a lot of walking around. I used the time to pray even. Finally AA came out to the Old Forge and replaced the new tyre. This was around noon. So, planning to go into Bath that day, I yet encountered another problem with the car. As I drove off on the A4, the car freaked out and I pulled off here... [<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Church+Lane,+East+Kennett,+Marlborough+SN8+4EY,+UK/Silbury+Hill,+Marlborough,+UK/@51.4108674,-1.8531128,15z/am=t/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48715ebd2cdf4425:0x2d34e73ac2076968!2m2!1d-1.831054!2d51.4061797!1m5!1m1!1s0x48715e801a36513d:0x3ba9905dca015e24!2m2!1d-1.8574307!2d51.4157284!3e0">.</a>]<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vvHG1-A2NFc/WheDikLMemI/AAAAAAABWBg/DdK3eRnQuegCVPFBRPLJWgd2aougabRoQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vvHG1-A2NFc/WheDikLMemI/AAAAAAABWBg/DdK3eRnQuegCVPFBRPLJWgd2aougabRoQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0949.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The place where the car freaked out!</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Silbury Hill</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Avebury, Wiltshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 13, 2017</span></div><br /><i>"There's the Hill." Adam Brake. Opening line.</i><br /><i>"Pretty fantasmagorical with an F, which means more fantastic than fantastic" Matthew Brake.</i><br /><i>"Rubbish. It's PH, a series of phantoms and illusions." Adam Brake.</i><br /><i>Opening scene to Children of the Stones as they drive by the Hill.</i><br /><br />It felt like both statements there lol after the car broke down, <i>and I NEVER blame Friday the 13th either lol, especially today's.</i>&nbsp; It wasn't a bad place to break down at but it was unfortunate because the car problems set me back a whole entire day. I had to scrap a place I wanted to visit for my trip. That ended up being Bythorn. I wanted to keep the other places like Gosport, Nottingham and 2 days of London of course. So, I called the rental agency once again. Again, I'm GLAD I got full coverage on the rental!!! This was the first time I checked in at work on Slack actually hahaha. Chris Johnson asked me how my trip was and everyone had tagged me in a Happy Birthday post in Slack. So, I uploaded this picture to Slack and showed them where the car broke down at. Joe, my coworker, said, "I don't trust that hill. Fake hill. Some villain's hideout." I told him that the Hill was not a barrows either and not Hobbit friendly. It was more or less a monument because in the time I waited for AA to come, I walked over to the marker to read about its construction lol. AA called me back on my phone (thank you Verizon international roaming plan) and recommended trying to drive back to the B&amp;B which wasn't that far away. So, I did just that.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VQSjvvkV-So/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VQSjvvkV-So?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tanks for the Birthday wish Joe!</span></div><br />I waited again for AA to come. I learned that the technicians are dispatched from certain areas, and the English countryside is a big area of coverage. So AA arrived late in the afternoon and replaced a bad sensor which caused the car to freak out. I don't blame the Hill. It was damaged when the tire was replaced apparently. By this time, I was looking for a place to eat my birthday dinner, so Leslie and Nora recommended going to <a href="http://www.thebellwestoverton.co.uk/">The Bell</a> up the street to eat. So, I did just that. I had a great dinner with Brits there and the place felt like a family. I was able to talk to one of the people at the bar and of course he asked me where was from. [<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Church+Lane,+East+Kennett,+Marlborough+SN8+4EY,+UK/The+Bell,+Bath+Road,+Marlborough,+UK/@51.4095015,-1.8345609,15z/am=t/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48715ebd2cdf4425:0x2d34e73ac2076968!2m2!1d-1.831054!2d51.4061797!1m5!1m1!1s0x48715eabae84e35f:0x5c64b2c575a65123!2m2!1d-1.8170072!2d51.4133987!3e0">.</a>]<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QSV4ZiONe8k/WheG4OU8FkI/AAAAAAABWBs/IZWbhO_sih0KyBYIzuhKRyvGJUHvTVH4wCLcBGAs/s1600/20171013_181906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QSV4ZiONe8k/WheG4OU8FkI/AAAAAAABWBs/IZWbhO_sih0KyBYIzuhKRyvGJUHvTVH4wCLcBGAs/s640/20171013_181906.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Birthday Dinner at The Bell</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">West Overton</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Avebury, Wiltshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 13, 2017</span></div><br /><i>October 14: Day 4. Gosport [<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Church+Lane,+East+Kennett,+Marlborough+SN8+4EY,+UK/Mandarin+Way,+Howe+Road,+Gosport+PO13+8DP,+UK/@51.111509,-2.0650348,9z/am=t/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48715ebd2cdf4425:0x2d34e73ac2076968!2m2!1d-1.831054!2d51.4061797!1m5!1m1!1s0x4874665bd90e1d77:0xa7da24136088d92c!2m2!1d-1.1732059!2d50.8036291!3e0">.</a>]. </i>The amazing part of the trip happened today. In 2001, back in the days of Dial-Up Networking and such, I was part of an Internet community called "Wizards of the Coast." There, I participated in some of the forums and contributed to some of the topics. The one forum I contributed to mostly was the "Once Upon a Time" forum. There, participants would share short stories they had written. There was another forum called "Castle of Fun." At the time, I was also on AIM (which recently shut down), Yahoo Messenger, and MSN. Many of these were used for online D&amp;D games like AIM. I played a couple D&amp;D adventures through AIM actually. They had a nice dice bot you could use to roll dice. That's where I met Bobbsta aka Debb.<br /><br />At first, I just knew her only by her handle of Bobbsta on the forums, but over a period of time, we developped an online friendship. I would later learn that she lived in England and her real-life name was Debb. The "Castle of Fun" had a topic called "Very Large Hats," which was a name to denote very large heads. That topic was a place where users created "scripted stories" of the other members of Wizards of the Coast. I remember writing one up which was a spoof off of Clue. Bobbsta was one of the main characters in that ha.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Very Large hats, Clue.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">By: Treikayan.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>ex-FAHgeek:</b> [to Bobbsta&nbsp; and Takhisis ]&nbsp; I think they&nbsp; are catching on.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Zherog:&nbsp;</b> All right everyone, just calm down.&nbsp; [everyone hushes]&nbsp; Now, before we jump to conclusions, how do you imagine we all know each other?</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Jade Justice:&nbsp;</b> I imagine we have been brought here for protection.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Ivellios Nailo:&nbsp;</b> Quite true, but Mrs. White is the one who started this outrage.&nbsp; I think we have a spy.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Medesha: </b>[cowers and continues eating]</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Aria Amberhawk:</b>&nbsp; [nervous]&nbsp; ahem!&nbsp; Well, then. Col. Mustard are you really a Colonel?</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Ivellios Nailo:</b>&nbsp; :eek:&nbsp; Yes.&nbsp; I hold a high-ranking position in… well… I am retired and work on “certain missions.” [changes subject]&nbsp; What about you Professor?&nbsp; Do you teach?</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Zherog:&nbsp;</b> Yes… umm… I do.&nbsp; I teach at Harvard.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Kari:</b>&nbsp; [blurts out] I work for the Department of Science and Technology.&nbsp; Mainly, though&nbsp; I just try to get ahead in life, period.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Aria Amberhawk:</b>&nbsp; I’m not at liberty to say what I do.&nbsp; I run an animal shelter and help the homeless.&nbsp; That’s all I’ll say of myself.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Medesha: </b>[speaks with pride]&nbsp; Well.&nbsp; I have a husband that is an Actor, and as a creative outlook I teach drama.&nbsp; There, I said it [snobbish tone].</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>All:</b>&nbsp; [stunned by Mrs. White]&nbsp; You do?</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Jade Justice:&nbsp;</b> Well, let’s just say I have an evening Chat line for lonely men and anyone of you guys here can dial anytime.&nbsp; Operators are always standing by. ;)</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Finally, FAH comes from the Kitchen and brings out the desert.&nbsp; Ivellios becomes somewhat angry the “seventh guest” hasn’t arrived yet.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Ivellios Nailo:&nbsp;</b> And Wadsworth, what do you do?&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>ex-FAHgeek:&nbsp;</b> I buttle, sir.&nbsp; The butler is head of the Kitchen and Dining Room.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Ivellios Nailo: </b>[stands to feet]&nbsp; Where is this Profion?&nbsp; Why have we been brought to this place?</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">doorbell rings… FAH excuses himself and answers the door.&nbsp; Whispering can be heard all around the table, while FAH walks towards the door.&nbsp; When FAH answers the door, the strange “Profion” is standing on the otherside.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Profion:&nbsp;</b> Ah yes.&nbsp; Here in this satchel contains evidence and proof.&nbsp; I also have brought a few gifts for our guests.&nbsp; They might enjoy them.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>ex-FAHgeek:&nbsp;</b> Good job, my friend.&nbsp; Do come in.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Profion and FAH return to the Dining Room and everyone is horrified by the mysterious, seventh guest.&nbsp; He is dressed in dark clothes, and a hood is over is head to conceal his identity.&nbsp; As Profion sits at the table, Takhisis and Bobbsta come to his service immediately.&nbsp; Their approach to Profion is friendly and courteous, but Profion utters not a word to them.&nbsp; He simply accepts the delightful meal.&nbsp; The other guests watch carefully and timidly.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Zherog:&nbsp;</b> Are you Profion? [breaking dead silence]</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Profion:</b>&nbsp; I am.&nbsp; I have come to help you all.&nbsp; In fact, I know you all very personally I might add.&nbsp; You’ve all got ONE thing in common.&nbsp; Hehehehe.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>All:</b>&nbsp; [looking around the table :eek: ]</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Profion:</b>&nbsp; You all belong to an online internet community….called Wizards of the Coast!</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">A sudden spell of lightning brightens the dark face of Profion briefly, not enough to recognize his identity, but a chill is felt by the other guests.&nbsp; Who indeed was Profion and what were his intentions?&nbsp; Is he here to help the six guests?&nbsp; And, what of Wizards of the Coast; why would someone be after these six individuals?&nbsp; Is there a scam or a cover up?&nbsp; Or, have they met their fates?</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tune in next time to VLH Clue!!!</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><br /><div><br /></div><div>This was a sample skit I posted in the VLH topic. And, if you haven't guessed, Profion later reveals his true identity in the skit as <b>Jeremy Irons</b> lol. Members did stories similar to this, using member handles as the charcters in their skits. I was trying to find all the HTML pages from the originall VLH website but I couldn't find them. <i>Anyhoo...</i></div><div><br /></div>I drove down to Gosport that day. It was about an hour and half drive. By the way, Brits uses miles on their roads here. The British Mile is the same as a US mile; the weirdest thing is driving at 70mph seemed to take longer to get anywhere than it does in the US lol. Anyhow, driving to Gosport, past Southampton (Titanic's old shipyard) and getting to the city of Gosport, I ran into a double roundabout. A roundabout adjacent to another roundabout. Debb warmed me about this one too. Solely relying on the car's GPS and navigation for my trips didn't help here.<br /><b><br /></b><b>You Spin Me (Like A Record) by Dead Alive</b><br /><i>We go round and round...</i><br /><br />"Enter left onto the roundabout... Now turn left to exit the roundabout."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Zi-XIOaSks/WhhGdMMiuDI/AAAAAAABWCA/r9tKHbPaGYUS2ocfer-9PMv6pgHm5LxUQCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-11-24_10-17-13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="906" height="526" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Zi-XIOaSks/WhhGdMMiuDI/AAAAAAABWCA/r9tKHbPaGYUS2ocfer-9PMv6pgHm5LxUQCLcBGAs/s640/2017-11-24_10-17-13.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Learning how to navigate English Roundabouts</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I think I ended up on Gunners Way on this map!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gosport, Hampshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 14, 2017</span></div><i><br /></i><i>Tttooooo llllatteeeeeeeeee lol. Give way! Wwwwwhhhhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!</i><br /><br />This was the actual route I took from Avebury to Debb's house in Gosport. It's the place I got lost. I found myself circling around several times at both roundabouts to get off at the right exit when learning how to navigate them. I think at this particular double roundabout, I spent the longest time on. Finally! I was back on course to Debb's house. Actually since the timing was off on the navigation because everything was so close together, I used a hunch and a gut reaction to determine which exit was right. HA!<br /><br />Finally, arriving at Debb's house, it was just a moment where the last 16 years smack you in the face with utter awe! I meet the person on the other side of the computer screen for the first time. It was just refreshing moment to take in! Out of all my online friendships, she was the first one to actually meet in person from another country. So, what naturally do we talk about first, the place where we met online, Wizards of the Coast! What do we next talk about? DUNE! We both love the books! I met Nik her husband for the first time too. It was very nice of them to let me visit and meet. Debb and Nik offered me tea and we talked about our lives and reminisced about the past.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JtBEqEMEBL8/WhhJondvEsI/AAAAAAABWCM/wh3Mju5JY0A6VMccnE3Kc7VJyuqzxL9tQCLcBGAs/s1600/20171014_181234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JtBEqEMEBL8/WhhJondvEsI/AAAAAAABWCM/wh3Mju5JY0A6VMccnE3Kc7VJyuqzxL9tQCLcBGAs/s640/20171014_181234.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">An English sunset!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Portsmouth Harbour</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gosport, Hampshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 14, 2017</span></div><br />Breaking for a moment in our conversation, Nik took me down to the beaches and to a place to get Fish &amp; Chips at <a href="http://www.handdfishandchips.co.uk/#menu">H&amp;D Chips</a> in Gosport. There we walked around the harbour. I took pictures. I'm idiot though. The pictures I captured that evening were from my Android not my Camera. I forgot the camera at Debb's house. I think they still turned out ok though. Returning to the house with dinner, I experienced my first taste of "Mushy Peas" with mint sauce. It was pretty good. Chris Johnson remarked later after he saw a picture of me eating them. "Those mushy peas? Yuch." Debb asked me if I wanted ketchup. I said, "No, let's do it the British way." So she got vinegar ha.<br /><br />We spent what was like only one day regaling all our stories over the past 16 years in our online friendship and Debb even told me the story of he handle Bobbsta and how it started at one of her jobs. It was just so awesome to finally meet after that long of an online friendship. It's a different kind of meeting I think. You already know about each other from the online portion. What's missing? The tangible part of the friendship. It hits you -- at least it did for me. I've always expressed myself in writing; she too! So, the layers of complexity were already there. We were just missing the physical encounter, the tangible piece. Think about your online friendships for a minute. Let it sink in. Ask yourself if you ever were to meet in person, what would that be like for you both? I asked myself that when I arrived to England. I was counting on meeting her as part of my trip. Actually, my drive down to Gosport that day was a moment of reflection, thinking back over the years. We met online just after the September 11 attacks. Actually, that's the moment in my life where my writing sparked and ignited just after that. I remember finding Wizards of the Coast (because I liked D&amp;D) but it helped convert some of those old D&amp;D campaigns into actual stories. That's where I met Debb. We both were D&amp;D adventurers, writers, and lovers of DUNE! So instantly we became friends! If I were to say what was my most special birthday present this year, it would be meeting her! Not just the England trip in itself but actually taking the time out to go somewhere new and explore, see the world and meet a special friend! Thank you Nik and Debb! xxoo<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_t1ykGDyuz0/WhhchhMF2VI/AAAAAAABWCc/1FVxmlfcCdEegH6HCE11J0rKvOuzpdLDACLcBGAs/s1600/received_10154913620970868.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_t1ykGDyuz0/WhhchhMF2VI/AAAAAAABWCc/1FVxmlfcCdEegH6HCE11J0rKvOuzpdLDACLcBGAs/s320/received_10154913620970868.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Finally meeting after 16 years</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gosport, Hampshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 14, 2017</span></div><br /><i>October 15: Day 5. Nottingham [<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Church+Lane,+East+Kennett,+Marlborough+SN8+4EY,+UK/NG1+6EL,+Nottingham,+UK/@52.175218,-2.6144507,8z/am=t/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x48715ebd2cdf4425:0x2d34e73ac2076968!2m2!1d-1.831054!2d51.4061797!1m5!1m1!1s0x4879c22bf3e28e4f:0xd1e2d83464402dd4!2m2!1d-1.1544174!2d52.9494136!3e0">.</a>].</i> Why Nottingham of all places? Simply, it's the ancestral home of the Chathams -- well Cheetham in the UK. The name Chatham was started here in the States in the mid 1900s after my Great-Grandfather got the family together to have it changed. He was an accountant and worked with money. See the reason? Lol. The family agreed on Chatham since it seemed more professional and for business purposes. The last person to carry the name Cheetham from birth recently just passed in the last decade. In this short video, you can see me maneuvering through Nottingham and listening to BBC ... where they broadcast the warning about Hurricane Ophelia. I was starting to get better with the roundabouts.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/p_4I7xRAaBk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p_4I7xRAaBk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Driving through Nottingham</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">SN8 4EY to NG1 6EL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nottingham, Nottinghamshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 15, 2017</span></div><br />It was becoming common by now staying at the B&amp;B, enjoying a hearty, delicious breakfast provided by the hosts of Old Forge and discussing my days with the hosts! It was quickly becoming an enjoyable part of the day on my trip each morning. I told Leslie I was going to Nottingham today. His response was shockingly a why. "When are you going to London." I told him that would be for the last two days of my visit (<i>provided Hurricane Ophelia didn't spoil it</i>). So, I told him the history of the Chathams; how my grandfather used to play in Sherwood Forest as a small boy. He said, "most of Sherwood Forest doesn't exist; however, the castle is there and it's a converted Museum." So, that interested me as a place to visit. When he said there was ART there, immediately I said I'm going lol. It was a 2 1/2 hour drive to Nottingham from Avebury. It reminded me of driving to Columbus from Cleveland OH. Same trip duration.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EiiJFOmZT0M/WhhikUo0JkI/AAAAAAABWCs/ajiOT8lWwXkPrgSx2uVrzBDwFc6Qy9rdgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EiiJFOmZT0M/WhhikUo0JkI/AAAAAAABWCs/ajiOT8lWwXkPrgSx2uVrzBDwFc6Qy9rdgCEwYBhgL/s640/DSC_1065.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Old Market Square</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nottingham, Nottinghamshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 15, 2017</span></div><br />Arriving at Nottingham, I parked the Mercedes in a parking garage near the castle and walked over to the center of town first down Friar Lane, passing Maid Marian Way even. I stopped at Old Market Square and took some pictures. There, they had street cars, so you had to watch where you were walking. It was a beautiful Fall day in England. It was very comforting and relaxing soaking up the Autumn air in England. I was really enjoying myself and, now, here I was walking in the city where the Chathams came from. Take that in along with the crisp Autumn air. I left the Square around 12:30 and walked back over to the Castle.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y6VU6Gtrg-g/WhhkqTCsS8I/AAAAAAABWC4/xpu7gu_GuVsoZSjLydv4Lf6pty8HmDVhACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1076-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y6VU6Gtrg-g/WhhkqTCsS8I/AAAAAAABWC4/xpu7gu_GuVsoZSjLydv4Lf6pty8HmDVhACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1076-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">An alley in front of Nottingham Castle</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nottingham, Nottinghamshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 15, 2017</span></div><br />Getting my admission ticket into the Castle, I was taking plenty of pictures (some of which that have not even been developped yet at this point). I walked up the stairs to the castle. The breeze was refreshing and I was glad to be there -- and thrilled by this point. I walked around the outer rim of the castle first before going inside. I took in all I could; the surroundings, the sights, the angles and the views. <a href="http://www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk/">Nottingham Castle</a> sets on a bluff above the city so it overshadowed Nottingham. This view was my favorite...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CntjKGdqfKU/WhhlbwCdyjI/AAAAAAABWDA/p5ihtUfYtk41QZ9Sdc38aGFNKg2VndQFwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CntjKGdqfKU/WhhlbwCdyjI/AAAAAAABWDA/p5ihtUfYtk41QZ9Sdc38aGFNKg2VndQFwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1161.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Looking out over the City</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nottingham Castle</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nottingham, Nottinghamshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 15, 2017</span></div><br />Finally going into the castle I was overtaken by its beauty and the exhibits there. I can't tell you though how long I spent in the Art section though. I still haven't been through all of the Art Institute here in Chicago yet, so I tried to take in all that I could. I did a lot of walking around and captured many moments on camera.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5wKmF1Kff2g/WhiPAiHyp7I/AAAAAAABWDo/s5uAb36VNl8_jGmrLZ1FQIwuXLLnOAJGgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5wKmF1Kff2g/WhiPAiHyp7I/AAAAAAABWDo/s5uAb36VNl8_jGmrLZ1FQIwuXLLnOAJGgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1123.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Art Gallery at Nottingham Castle</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nottingham, Nottinghamshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 15, 2017</span></div><br />After touring the castle, I almost had dinner at "Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Pub" on the one side of the castle. It was hyped up to be the oldest pub in England 1189, erected around the time of the Crusades! I walked inside, but soon realized that the pub was built half in a house and half in a cave. I got very claustrophobic really quick and changed my plans for dinner lol. I had to "mind my head" in several spots especially in the portion that was half in the caves. I walked over to a nice pub called <a href="http://www.craftycrownotts.co.uk/">The Crafty Crow</a>. It was there, again, where I learned about dialects. Everyone in Nottingham sounded like they had a Scottish dialect. CJ said that Northern England sounds like this later. I wonder if that has something to with my family too since originally the Chathams came from Scotland and moved down to Nottingham in the 1800s. I asked my Dad how his grandfather sounded, but he never had the chance to meet him to know.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DaDP2FE1o3Q/WhiPgFtI-5I/AAAAAAABWDw/fo7X4r4f2rg7cTMGJ8SA4-888KO6CLKnQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DaDP2FE1o3Q/WhiPgFtI-5I/AAAAAAABWDw/fo7X4r4f2rg7cTMGJ8SA4-888KO6CLKnQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Oldest standing pub in England</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nottingham, Nottinghamshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 15, 2017</span></div><br />For dinner, I had the Raven Steak burger and chips. Every pub I ate at I ordered Guinness for my drink. It tasted so much better over there, and I've always been a fan of stouts and dark beers. The flavor hits the back of your throat in a way that makes you want more! Ha! Time to drive home.<br /><i><br /></i><i>October 16: Day 6. London. Ophelia; do you feel it.</i> The last two days I was in England, I visited London. I didn't do any driving to London on those days. Instead, I took the GWR (Great Western Railway) to London. I got some advice from Sarah the hostess at the B&amp;B about where to catch the trains at. Originally, I was going to catch the GWR at Swindon, but she advised not to. The fare would be a lot more expensive and the parking as well. So, she said your best bet is to catch the train at Great Bedwyn Station in Bedwyn [<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Church+Lane,+East+Kennett,+Marlborough+SN8+4EY,+UK/Bedwyn,+Great+Bedwyn,+Marlborough+SN8+3NZ,+United+Kingdom/@51.3819352,-1.8137789,11z/am=t/data=!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x48715ebd2cdf4425:0x2d34e73ac2076968!2m2!1d-1.831054!2d51.4061797!1m5!1m1!1s0x487154331ee95105:0xa0c5e7bd16a7f712!2m2!1d-1.59877!2d51.37963">.</a>]. So, I bought my tickets online and drove to the station. The first I realized here:<br /><br /><i>"You don't high-five the oncoming trains here like you can in Chicago!"</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zwkHA2OzS9k/WhidE1piN-I/AAAAAAABWEA/dsAx6ToIZj0iDRIIUPPIZNdOJDWyGs36QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zwkHA2OzS9k/WhidE1piN-I/AAAAAAABWEA/dsAx6ToIZj0iDRIIUPPIZNdOJDWyGs36QCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1255.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">British Great Western Railway</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Great Bedwyn Station</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bedwyn, Wiltshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 16, 2017</span></div><br />Yep, that's it. I was standing on the platform, something I'm very familiar with doing like in Chicago; whether it's the CTA or the Metra. Then, suddenly, it happened; <i>the express train zipped by.</i> I mean it just was there in a blink of an eye then gone! I looked over at the person next to me on the platform. "Do they usually go by that fast???" I mean this train zoomed by faster than a bullet! She said, "yeah, the speeds can exceed 100 mph." I just looked at her. "Good thing I was standing on the platform then," I said jokingly. She immediately recognized I was from the US, so we talked and I told her I was from Chicago and our trains don't go nearly as fast. It was a close shave. We both boarded the train together and I had someone to talk to on the way to London. <i><b>Note the sun in this picture, because from this point on, all my pictures will feature apocalyptic, looking skies courtesy of Hurricane Ophelia.</b></i><br /><br />So boarding the train, my destination was Paddington Station [<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Bedwyn,+Great+Bedwyn,+Marlborough+SN8+3NZ,+United+Kingdom/Paddington+Station,+United+Kingdom/@51.4523025,-1.4477901,9z/am=t/data=!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x487154331ee95105:0xa0c5e7bd16a7f712!2m2!1d-1.59877!2d51.37963!1m5!1m1!1s0x48761aad72f39303:0x74926f3ec36c2314!2m2!1d-0.1769328!2d51.5166744">.</a>]. The train ride was fast, and I enjoyed the company of some commuters, probably going to work that morning. We arrived at Paddington Station and the first thing I was greeted with was a Pret-A-Manger lol. I immediately thought of my boss because that's his choice lunch spot here in Chicago. I mentioned to him later about this because it so happened they were all over London not just in the train station. I would later learn that <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/pregnant-princess-kate-dances-paddington-bear-surprise-appearance/story?id=50505347">Princess Kate</a> was there at the same time I was and got pictures with Paddingon Bear! <i>Missed that part!</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJFMPTfH6-g/WhikpZdWPSI/AAAAAAABWEo/j9uIozJoZ1AIX3G9_M8v2jEK93mEa3uNgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJFMPTfH6-g/WhikpZdWPSI/AAAAAAABWEo/j9uIozJoZ1AIX3G9_M8v2jEK93mEa3uNgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1288.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mind the Gap</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Paddington Station</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Westminster, London UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 16, 2017</span></div><br />After de-boarding the train I went down into the "Tubes" the London Underground. There I learned that subways were more complex than the CTA was in Chicago. I had to really pay attention to the maps. By the way, all my Tubes' pictures looked better in Black &amp; White. I boarded the Yellow Line (Circle Line) and got off at St. James Park. I had to listen closely, because they pronounce St as Sin not Saint in England. So the stop was announced "Sin Jim's Park."&nbsp; Good thing I was paying attention to that. St. James Stop was next to Buckingham PALACE not FOUNTAIN! I caught myself a few times with not saying FOUNTAIN lol.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHxmJbXnziE/Whih9OGkbLI/AAAAAAABWEU/uMu8MDg-dg4YEVSCQD4jNMPLCE0aLxMFACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WHxmJbXnziE/Whih9OGkbLI/AAAAAAABWEU/uMu8MDg-dg4YEVSCQD4jNMPLCE0aLxMFACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1296.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">St. James Park Station</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Westminster, London UK</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 16, 2017</span></div><br />I did lots of walking and the first thing I did was get on the "Hop on, hop off" buses for the tour. The tours started at Waterloo station, so I had a free ride to the station. So I boarded the bus at St. James and took it down to Waterloo to get the start of the tour. There were different routes for the tours. I don't remember which one exactly I did because I got on and got off quite a few times. When I first boarded, I remember getting this picture as my first scenic look of London and the Thames. Hurricane Ophelia had not yet made landfall... but... look... at... that... sky!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QpjCqOdwdUA/WhilXIvO_fI/AAAAAAABWEw/zLeSE3oYziAMmVmEl0B5surR1rZv_BykQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QpjCqOdwdUA/WhilXIvO_fI/AAAAAAABWEw/zLeSE3oYziAMmVmEl0B5surR1rZv_BykQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1334.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">LONDON!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Crossing the River Thames</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hop on, hop off bus tours</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 16, 2017</span></div><br />Once again, I did not Photoshop any the skies in my pictures. This was because of Hurricane Ophelia. According to an article I <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/10/16/strange-red-sun-phenomenon-seen-across-england-caused-hurricane/">read</a>, it was because the storm kicked up Sahara sand and it caused the sky to look filtered. After being rather freaked out about it, I did the Google thing and checked. Actually, right away, I messaged my British friend Chris back in the States. "Is the sky supposed to look like this in London? It's freaking me out!" He said no, but it was because of the storm. His folks that live north of London checked in with him too, he said. It was very uncomfortable to see at first, and uneasy. What was really interesting even with the onslaught of the hurricane, it rained very little if not at all. I took my umbrella with me each day just in case it did. Even with the storm as seen in the pictures, there wasn't any rain. There was wind, but that was it.<br /><br />I hoped off the bus at Trafalgar Square for some time and walked around. That's when the sun started looking really freaky and foreboding. There was a flying Yoda in the square which I got pictures of. They were starting to celebrate Indian Diwali there, so the square was full of celebration.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B4tip7PbK-s/Whm8hx5TY7I/AAAAAAABWG8/EEnZItXCgLItLDhvclfhHNfJ1SYftMn0wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B4tip7PbK-s/Whm8hx5TY7I/AAAAAAABWG8/EEnZItXCgLItLDhvclfhHNfJ1SYftMn0wCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1375.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Apocalyptic London Sun. Thumbs down.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Trafalgar Square</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greater London, London UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 16, 2017</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bOa3w4MTwjc/Whr3wgkcUFI/AAAAAAABWKo/Xk7Bot7N1mUgF9eOx19PwXUQJaxE4DUMgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1060" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bOa3w4MTwjc/Whr3wgkcUFI/AAAAAAABWKo/Xk7Bot7N1mUgF9eOx19PwXUQJaxE4DUMgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1382.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Where's your umbrella?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Flying Yoda</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Trafalgar Square</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greater London, London UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 16, 2017</span></div><br />I captured this nice one of Nelson's Column though with the freakish skies. Trust me, after I went through these photos when I got home, I was struck with awe and they added so much to the photos. No Photoshop here either! Just bringing out contrast, vibrancy and clarity. THAT'S IT!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3yzMw_5OopY/Whm9a-nVHHI/AAAAAAABWHI/i6fMcYGjnAECKgmfyBbwzCw_aghqoN9pwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1061" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3yzMw_5OopY/Whm9a-nVHHI/AAAAAAABWHI/i6fMcYGjnAECKgmfyBbwzCw_aghqoN9pwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1396.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nelson's Column</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Trafalgar Square</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greater London, London UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 16, 2017</span></div><br />I got back on the "hop on, hop off" bus at Trafalgar Square; I officially started the bus tour at Waterloo Station. The driver threw in a free river cruise on the Thames with my ticket as well. So, I was able to use that ticket for the two days I was in London. That was an awesome deal I think. I rode around the bus for a couple hours until probably 2pm.&nbsp; I got off at Embankment, and then, that's when Hurricane Ophelia officially made landfall and struck as captured here...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OISmaZn57D4/Whm6Rr9n-hI/AAAAAAABWGo/5D59NF2x5Sg2v3vaVDgiFRBBHyJ99r0ZgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OISmaZn57D4/Whm6Rr9n-hI/AAAAAAABWGo/5D59NF2x5Sg2v3vaVDgiFRBBHyJ99r0ZgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1419.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hurricane Ophelia hits London!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Victoria Embankment</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greater London, London UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 16, 2017</span></div><br />The storm hits and it was kind of freakish. It just got windy but I kept walking the embankment. It was like a scene from The Mummy. Later I was able to look at my photos and take a moment to reflect on a unique moment that was special. I was there at that time! I spent awhile walking the Victoria Embankment to the harbor. I was able to get on the harbor by Waterloo bridge and take some more pictures of the River Thames and I noted how many cranes were in the shots. London is moving up for sure!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HmfRGeXkIgc/WhpdQp29FLI/AAAAAAABWKM/iQy1FixjzJ4FG3k4E2zkBXIUY6Bi9bQpACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HmfRGeXkIgc/WhpdQp29FLI/AAAAAAABWKM/iQy1FixjzJ4FG3k4E2zkBXIUY6Bi9bQpACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1445.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Where is Brendan Fraser when you need him?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Victoria Embankment</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greater London, London UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 16, 2017</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T980_0eoKak/Whm76VgZHYI/AAAAAAABWG0/mVtaK_4LnV8rsdFw3k45_FmyVmCH0vshgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T980_0eoKak/Whm76VgZHYI/AAAAAAABWG0/mVtaK_4LnV8rsdFw3k45_FmyVmCH0vshgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1473.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Look at all those cranes</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Embankment Pier</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greater London, London UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 16, 2017</span></div><br />For dinner the first day in London, I walked over to <a href="https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/sherlock-holmes/">The Sherlock Holmes'</a> pub just south of Trafalgar Square. The pub was very nice inside and I found a table to sit at. I placed my order at the bar and it was very windy outside because of the storm. The crowds were interesting and I liked the dude sporting a top hap. He sounded very Irish overhearing the conversation.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-svOfMeU96Sc/WhnVvFxf0dI/AAAAAAABWHY/nC_hh_1fRdAo7o2lyDgDEnBqeyOOmxY7gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-svOfMeU96Sc/WhnVvFxf0dI/AAAAAAABWHY/nC_hh_1fRdAo7o2lyDgDEnBqeyOOmxY7gCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1494.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Sherlock Holmes</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">First Dinner in London</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greater London, London UK</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 16, 2017</span></div><br />I remember having the "BBQ Burnt Ends Beef Melt" burger for dinner and of course a pint of Guinness. Again, it tasted much better in Britain than it did in the States. I enjoyed the crowds there and Football (the European variety) was broadcast on the tellies.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IwL4YrHdEbA/WhnWEQ6b_XI/AAAAAAABWHc/p9GYsmesSKQKJsHoSCxo7NNexhmT4d_yQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IwL4YrHdEbA/WhnWEQ6b_XI/AAAAAAABWHc/p9GYsmesSKQKJsHoSCxo7NNexhmT4d_yQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1499.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pub Locals at The Sherlock Holmes</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greater London, London UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 16, 2017</span></div><br />After dinner, I walked all the way down to Buckingham Fount... er... PALACE! PALACE! The skies were really whipping up a show for this place. It was near sunset. Apparently after much discussion between Debb and Keith (another Brit friend), the Queen was at Buckingham Palace that day because the Union Jack was flown. I think that's how it worked. Ha.<br /><br />Notably, in the shot are the sun rays. Thanks, Ophelia. I think out of all my Buckingham Palace photos, this was my favorite. All the other ones had traffic in front and I wanted to get all of it in the pictures. This was probably the best angle though. Enjoy...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESVWtokP_Dw/Whmrv3DfMJI/AAAAAAABWGY/fs0iuI03cSMQKBqVo6AzLLOmLXHe162WQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESVWtokP_Dw/Whmrv3DfMJI/AAAAAAABWGY/fs0iuI03cSMQKBqVo6AzLLOmLXHe162WQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1593.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Buckingham Palace not Fountain</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Westminster, London UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 16, 2017</span></div><br /><i>Love and marriage. Love and marriage. Go together ...</i> Oh wait, sorry. PALACE not FOUNTAIN. I didn't get to go in and do any tours. There was just not enough time. I enjoyed walking up to these places and doing photos of exteriors. Time was pressed. I had lost a day with the car problems so I didn't want to waste it on tours. The bus tour was the exception because it got me out and about to see London better ... as a whole. One day, I'll have to go back and go on some tours.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-taZE1lpQxqc/WhnuHUhaq9I/AAAAAAABWHs/gBjoq1_PyYI8tlep8tGhCvhPF0TIDcbZACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-taZE1lpQxqc/WhnuHUhaq9I/AAAAAAABWHs/gBjoq1_PyYI8tlep8tGhCvhPF0TIDcbZACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1634.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Night Sky Porn</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Old Forge</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Avebury, Wiltshire UK</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 16, 2017</span></div><br />When I got back to the B&amp;B that night, the skies cleared for this event! One thing I really enjoyed were the night skies at the B&amp;B in Avebury. I actually could see the bands of the Milky Way and, I gotta tell ya, but you feel really small! If there's one thing I enjoy and makes my jaw gape in awe, it's crisp, clear night skies, or <i>night-sky porn</i> as I call it! Ever since I was a kid, I would enjoy going out late and watching the sky just for hours, looking up in wonder. I could spot the Big Dipper or the Plough (as the Brits call it). There was no beam of light coming from Avebury that night (ala Children of the Stones) but I tried to get the best photo I could of it without a tripod. I used the fence post and steadied the camera on that for this shot.<br /><br /><b>On My Way Home by Eithne</b><br /><i>Heading back to Chicago.</i><br /><br /><i>October 17: Day 7. London. Last day.</i> This was a bittersweet moment especially at breakfast that morning. I settled up for my stay at the Old Forge and it just got me thinking about the whole couple weeks enjoying another country and how much I was going to miss that. I did something new and exciting this year. <i>I made the 2017 Goal, "happy now, happy later" a reality. Thanks, Todd, again.</i> I remember also checking in with American Airlines that morning with Manchester Airport to make sure there were no disruptions in my flight due to Hurricane Ophelia. This did have me worried a bit. Luckily, there were no issues and the check-in said the flight was running on time. I gathered up my room this morning and got things ready to leave in the morning. I was going to spend one last day in London. On my way out, I got a picture of Leslie and Nora, because it was going to be the last time I saw them. My flight out of Manchester the next morning was Noon, and I was going to get up on the road by 5am which I'm glad I did! Leslie and Nora made my UK experience so enjoyable and pleasurable, and I would like to credit their hospitality for making England such a beautiful place!!! THANK YOU!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IenEw4b1E7Q/Whnw0gj2rKI/AAAAAAABWH4/o_KqYhigHGMbNEGpocRVfPCUt0qcMvkAQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1060" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IenEw4b1E7Q/Whnw0gj2rKI/AAAAAAABWH4/o_KqYhigHGMbNEGpocRVfPCUt0qcMvkAQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1647.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thank you, Leslie and Nora for a wonderful stay in England!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Old Forge</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Avebury, Wiltshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 17, 2017</span></div><br />So, I drove back over to Great Bedwyn Station to catch the train again. As I rode in on the train, a couple tears streamed down. I was certainly going to miss this all! This was such an amazing trip and I will never forget it as long as I live. I had hoped to get a lot of these memories out in the blog here. There was just so much that not even I can get all out into a 'tl;dr' blog.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbkUONP5mIA/WhnxhWlMwQI/AAAAAAABWIA/w4TRQJzpXX8YynVStIUSYXjVzADQyMDmQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbkUONP5mIA/WhnxhWlMwQI/AAAAAAABWIA/w4TRQJzpXX8YynVStIUSYXjVzADQyMDmQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1659.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A couple tears mark this moment here</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Somewhere on the GWR to London</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 17, 2017</span></div><br /><i>Train into Paddington. </i>I got off the train and went into the Tubes again to Embankment to use that ticket for the River Thames tour. Ophelia skies greeted us and returned for another day in London. I spent a long time on the Thames and got some really cool photos of London. The tour guide was rather witty and funny ha! Not so much energetic but just witty, and it made the voyage fun!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c0KjHELsJK0/Whn1evwe2SI/AAAAAAABWIU/ATSva0GD9_oj9lOY8ebBpOqCebFSDjIUwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c0KjHELsJK0/Whn1evwe2SI/AAAAAAABWIU/ATSva0GD9_oj9lOY8ebBpOqCebFSDjIUwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1807.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Welcome back Ophelia!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">On the River Thames</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">London UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 17, 2017</span></div><br />Around 3pm, I got a the bus again and did some more touring, getting in my final shots of London. There are still a lot of photos that I haven't gone through. Want to know something rather odd though? I didn't fill up ONE memory card on my camera for this trip. I packed TWO, and filled almost ONE. That's a goal; fewer pictures, and not making the camera a machine gun! My Dad originally taught me this with film. "Don't waste your shots." Even in a digital world, it's good to think your shots through. I did more of that on this trip. I remember my San Diego trip last Summer. I used TWO memory cards. And, Wayne Chatham, I still haven't gone through the whole LOT yet lol. Sorry. These shots here were my favorite two River Thames shots; Shakespeare Globe and Tower Bridge. <i>Thanks, Ophelia ... again!</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RTSNr5Kla2I/Whn2pUOm9uI/AAAAAAABWIg/cve6D0cttLka8k80PaoQNID3peEV1IhlwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RTSNr5Kla2I/Whn2pUOm9uI/AAAAAAABWIg/cve6D0cttLka8k80PaoQNID3peEV1IhlwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1734.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I think this a new addition to Shakespeare's Globe?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">River Thames</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">London UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 17, 2017</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zsAPEo1qt-Q/Whn5kW9UTFI/AAAAAAABWIs/olKiPgLoir4ucsyxPseUon3KJKmnis4FwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zsAPEo1qt-Q/Whn5kW9UTFI/AAAAAAABWIs/olKiPgLoir4ucsyxPseUon3KJKmnis4FwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1755.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tower Bridge</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">River Thames</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">London UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 17, 2017</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m_W011iEh1c/Whn6W8QJ9GI/AAAAAAABWI4/dcldhXknnncFlC8S1n3SfI7-gTi61uQZACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m_W011iEh1c/Whn6W8QJ9GI/AAAAAAABWI4/dcldhXknnncFlC8S1n3SfI7-gTi61uQZACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1728.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Shard</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">River Thames</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">London UK</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 17, 2017</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y1E-Apeenf0/Whn51Q4qAJI/AAAAAAABWIw/6MBABUL_mSYLaA9XPlhB4aRFr2tQ4rDdwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1061" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y1E-Apeenf0/Whn51Q4qAJI/AAAAAAABWIw/6MBABUL_mSYLaA9XPlhB4aRFr2tQ4rDdwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1824.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Big Ben Erector Set</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Getting off Cruise at Westminster</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">London UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 17, 2017</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_v3Lk50D530/Whpeju5YvoI/AAAAAAABWKY/PTiw13eDO4caY1vpEz7kUa4OvwuDi-GRgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1060" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_v3Lk50D530/Whpeju5YvoI/AAAAAAABWKY/PTiw13eDO4caY1vpEz7kUa4OvwuDi-GRgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1351.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My favorite Big Ben shot with Erector Set</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Previous Day's Shot from Bus</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Westminster, London UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 16, 2017</span></div><br />After my afternoon cruise, I walked past Westminster Abbey, St. Margaret's Church then back up towards Trafalgar Square. Guess what? It rained for the first time since landing the previous week lol! I used the previous day's shot here for St. Margaret's Church. I had to ask a friend what landmark it was. I also liked this photo of British Police in front of Westminster Abbey.&nbsp;"You get by me? Look behind me, punk!"<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--eVzOTQhzsc/Whn71_SC25I/AAAAAAABWJM/pbRZtpk2mKouowiX01-7sV5x2wtUTV_iwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--eVzOTQhzsc/Whn71_SC25I/AAAAAAABWJM/pbRZtpk2mKouowiX01-7sV5x2wtUTV_iwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1862.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">British Police</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Westminster Abbey</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Westminster, London UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 17, 2017</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8LDHI1BR_RI/Whn8Is9H_NI/AAAAAAABWJQ/CrY-jVJdq8wg--RCeYhPlfucpiLdi_maQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8LDHI1BR_RI/Whn8Is9H_NI/AAAAAAABWJQ/CrY-jVJdq8wg--RCeYhPlfucpiLdi_maQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1355.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ste. Margaret's Church (from previous day)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Westminster, London UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 16, 2017</span></div><br />The St. Margaret's Church shot looked like a fairy tale picture. <i>Thanks, Ophelia!</i> I pulled out my umbrella for the FIRST time on my trip at this point ha! I still took plenty of pictures on my way finding a place to eat for Dinner. I eventually found this nice place called <a href="http://www.theclarencewhitehall.com/menus">The Clarence</a> and had Dinner there. I had the "The Clarence Cheeseburger" and, yes of course, GUINNESS! After dinner I got these shots!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wS_hyDlofv0/Whn7Lko6jeI/AAAAAAABWJA/HVU2BoOgzNcQ62XW1zaVBdjhJH--642LwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wS_hyDlofv0/Whn7Lko6jeI/AAAAAAABWJA/HVU2BoOgzNcQ62XW1zaVBdjhJH--642LwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1517.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Whitehall Avenue</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Clarence</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greater London, London UK</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 17, 2017</span></div><br />And it wouldn't be England if I didn't get a picture of a Phone Booth which actually did have a working phone in this one!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9gMtiA9Uh_Y/Whn7ck77uxI/AAAAAAABWJE/5Jwhte7tVoY_x06mu8GE4WUmPPEHOZNwgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1061" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9gMtiA9Uh_Y/Whn7ck77uxI/AAAAAAABWJE/5Jwhte7tVoY_x06mu8GE4WUmPPEHOZNwgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1530.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hello, operator. How do you talk in this thing?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Telephone Booth</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Charing Cross Station</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greater London, London UK</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 17, 2017</span></div><br />After walking off dinner, it was time to head back to the B&amp;B to get some sleep for my flight out the next day. So, I got onto the Bakerloo Brown Line to Paddington in the Tubes at Charing Cross. I was kind of worn out by this point as well. I got back to the B&amp;B around 10pm, took a shower and went right to bed. The previous nights, I enjoyed some British TV while turning in. Plus it was time to catch up with friends and family with texts and such...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XnPV_Vzi0Zo/WhoACzlPPII/AAAAAAABWJc/x16Dx-dpUZUUikhRjK4jsjMIsjhdd-zngCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XnPV_Vzi0Zo/WhoACzlPPII/AAAAAAABWJc/x16Dx-dpUZUUikhRjK4jsjMIsjhdd-zngCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1932.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bakerloo Brown Line to Paddington Station</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Charing Cross Station</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greater London, London UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 17, 2017</span></div><br />Here is a short video of my England Trip. I thought the Celtic song, <i>Secret Call by Ginkgo Garden</i>, was rather appropriate for this video. Enjoy. <i>If you've noticed song titles in my blog, that's a nuance that started at my job. We use Song Titles as our Meetings, so it has carried over into my blogs, lol.</i> I enjoyed this trip so much that even when I got home, I sat at my desk and marveled. "I did it. I can't believe I was there!" A couple tears there too. I would love to go back.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/K3IBVKysJxI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K3IBVKysJxI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2017 Destination England</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Some of my photos from my trip</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Secret Call by Ginkgo Garden</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><i>October 18: The Stones Let me Leave. The Day of Release.</i> Getting up early to get on the roads. I set my alarm for 4am. I already planned on getting to the airport early. I'M GLAD I DID. It was a 3 hour drive back to Manchester. Roads were fine even around Birmingham. The troubles were at the Airport. I got there at 8am; returned the Rental, and waited a long time for a shuttle to take me to Terminal Three, American Airlines. When the shuttle finally arrived, I got on the wrong one, so I had to circle back and wait for the next one. Finally getting to the baggage claim, there was a long line at American. The woman behind me lived in Manchester and said this is usually how it looks here. It was a good hour before I finally got processed for my baggage. Very slow going. So, it was 10am now. My flight was at Noon. Sigh. Not quite. Security check was just as bad. It was very slow going! I'm glad I got on the roads when I did, because I just made it to boarding time. Then, it happened -- and I didn't realize what happened until I landed -- I lost my Credit Card. When I finally arrived at O'Hare and took the Tram over to Remote Parking. I jump in my Honda, pull up to the gate -- uh, I lost my credit card! DANG! So, when I got home, I immediately reported it lost. If I weren't in such a hurry in Manchester, this wouldn't've caused the domino effect I had later in the week with my Identity Theft. Things happen though... Maybe it happened to show me I need to move out of my current place... Read the sections below for that! I did have a 2017 goal for "new home!" Oddly, this is not the first time this year a goal has smacked me in the face! Read September's blog! <b><i>However, with that all being said ... the Stones let me go! Lol.</i></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hoHMmANHn2w/Whn0mhu02MI/AAAAAAABWIM/fDf9pOlf4HMUytU2AweyMb_OxTc152lBwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1060" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hoHMmANHn2w/Whn0mhu02MI/AAAAAAABWIM/fDf9pOlf4HMUytU2AweyMb_OxTc152lBwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_0219.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The mystery of Avebury</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Celestial Compass behind the Manor House</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Avebury, Wiltshire UK</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;October 11, 2017</span></div><br /><i>The mystery of Avebury.</i> Does it truly align with something up there? This celestial compass behind the Manor House in Avebury would seem to suggest that the stones DO align with something. That was my first thought before the tour on my first day. The Manor House was owned by Alexander Keiller, the archaeologist responsible for excavating the stones AND introducing England to Marmalade. In the TV series I enjoyed as a kid, the stones aligned with a blackhole in the Big Dipper. In that series, the myth was the whole town sat on a transmitting radio dish that projected a beam of light into the blackhole when the stones aligned with the Big Dipper each night.<br /><br />The stones connected ley lines, used to charge the "radio dish" under the town. The Manor House sat at the center and was the transmitting point.&nbsp;If anyone can't make this out. The tilt is 23.5 degrees. The ball in the middle would be the earth. The band around it would be the zodiac assumingly but it's faded. The top would be Polaris or Evenstar if you're a LOTR fan.<br /><br /><b>Lost the Sky Again by Newsboys</b></div><i>Much to do in VelocityEHS</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/I3wGh3asXj4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I3wGh3asXj4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Driving to VelocityEHS one morning</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kennedy Expressway to Ohio Street</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">September 1, 2017</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Going up to 17!</i> As I originally stated, work has been really busy lately, and I'm entirely grateful for all that I'm doing. It's been one full year at the helm with VelocityEHS in IT. Exciting times! I've had a lot of accomplishments this year especially setting up the Hybrid. The year of work went by really fast. I decided to add a partial section here about work though. The work has been fine but I have been finding it a struggle to fit in with everyone else. Trust me, this is a hard thing. I'm the lowest one on the totem pole and, despite assurance, I'm told everything is fine. Ok, good. I think the real issue is that I'm still really new and I've not quite find a niche. My struggle. So, my primary focus has been completing work projects rather than get personal. There's a time and place for that sort of thing, but most times, I feel like the lone sysadmin. I work with my friend and he's a big help when it comes to that. I live inside my head and I read too much into things which doesn't help matters. Luckily my friend understands me completely. <i>On a bright note,</i> I'm getting things done and helping out. My boss gave us mid-year goals and I've accomplished some of those. With the year wrapping up, I hope to be more inclusive with projects and goals. <i>I want to be part of the family!</i> It was no accident that I joined the team last September. No accident at all. I keep telling myself that, and many times, it brings back so many refreshing moments I had at Broadvox in Cleveland. In fact, my boss does remind me of my old Russian manager Sergey Galchenko there -- a good thing! With 2018 around the corner, I wonder what the new year will bring for me at VelocityEHS. #wearevelocityehs.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mV38fCJubf0/Whi_8ZKlxsI/AAAAAAABWFA/tFQI8WBryus6Qa1iVd-C8J6W6QdEqCoVgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_5891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mV38fCJubf0/Whi_8ZKlxsI/AAAAAAABWFA/tFQI8WBryus6Qa1iVd-C8J6W6QdEqCoVgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_5891.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">VelocityEHS Entrance</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Merchandise Mart</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">July 14, 2017</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This next 2017 goal was not a selfish goal, but I thought about this one for the month after I got my tattoo. I believe that this does cover this goal entirely. It came to fruition when a coworker was interested in the story behind it.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>2017 Goal:&nbsp;Stop being snubbed or ignored! You may think this is a selfish goal, but really it isn't. I never stand out and I'm often brushed aside, ignored and forgotten.&nbsp; Far too often in my life, this has been a serious problem, and I never do anything about it.&nbsp; Some people in my life get FAR too much praise, attention and adoration than they actually deserve, including cohorts, friends and family. So, meekly stand out.</i></blockquote><br />When I got my tattoo a week ago, a coworker was interested in it and wanted to know more. So, she asked me to lunch one day. We had lunch in the Food Court of the Merchandise Mart. We sat by the windows and watched the L trains come and go into Merchandise Mart Station. We talked about our personality types. We both took the Myers-Briggs test, and the Four Temperaments. Eating lunch, she asked me about my November 15 story. So I told her my "semicolon" story. Read back at the top if you want to know more about that. Anyhow, as I told her about sinking down into darkness, she asked me if I was dating or seeing anyone at the time. I told her yes. So, I then told her about "you know who" back in Ohio. I told her that in my personality I tend to "absorb" what's around me. This was something she saw already about me; I guess she wanted me to say it though. Then, I told her about this person and how she was always toxic and negative. In fact, she was really toxic to tell me behind my back to a mutual friend of ours that "I'd fail in Chicago and move back within 2 years." I'm not mentioning her name here because it's really not important anymore; I've moved on. If you're reading and know who she is, that's fine. This is part of my story now and I see WHY my coworker asked the question after the discussion.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgssKG7JXjM/WhjDNFREC_I/AAAAAAABWFM/Xkw9KU6zPTAu_rQlb4jfxJO23GDpoAQ8QCLcBGAs/s1600/20161121_121146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgssKG7JXjM/WhjDNFREC_I/AAAAAAABWFM/Xkw9KU6zPTAu_rQlb4jfxJO23GDpoAQ8QCLcBGAs/s320/20161121_121146.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Going up to 17! VelocityEHS</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Merchandise Mart</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">July 14, 2017</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So I mentioned more about the toxic, narcissistic behavior of this person to her (coworker). She stops me for a minute and makes me rethink the REAL reason I was led to that moment where there was no way out. "You absorb people around you. Maybe she is the real reason you were pushed over the edge like that." I thought for a minute. At first, I felt a little "naked" with that direct approach. "You were shown Chicago after that, right?" Then, for the first time, it started to make sense to me and about that "dark" November 14th day. I hate to blame people, but I see how I was around her and how I was starting to hate myself for how I was feeling. I learned later how some people absorb; I was doing just that. I was absorbing all that toxicity from her AND now I see one reason it took me to move [back] to Chicago. With all that she's done, I still need to forgive her. That part has been hardest. So it was a great lunch to spend with her and she told me her stories of "darkness" as well. She even admitted that she too absorbs from other people as well and that's why she asked me about who I was seeing at the time of "darkness" in my life. It made sense after that, but rather than place blame, I, too, needed and was ready for a change in my life as well beyond November 15, 2011.</div><br /><b>Over the Horizon by Petra</b><br /><i>Time to Move methinks!</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Zd0eGLbOJI/WhjGIhAs9mI/AAAAAAABWFY/cpJcqgGTPhI1jSQaiut_UX67ue69NjUIgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Zd0eGLbOJI/WhjGIhAs9mI/AAAAAAABWFY/cpJcqgGTPhI1jSQaiut_UX67ue69NjUIgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1978.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This sunrise happens two times a year in my apartment</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Albany Park, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 21, 2017</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This got bumped into full gear recently. Why you ask? The first Friday I was back from my trip, someone in my apartment building stole my new Credit Card and activated the card using my social security number. Imagine how frustrating that is to have a number that's been associated with you your whole life just up and stolen like that. Pretty scared and vulnerable. That's how I felt. Immediately, I contacted both the Credit Card Company and the Police and had a report filed.</div><br /><i><b>Lock down time!</b></i><br /><i><b><br /></b></i><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The old neighbors on 2 moved out in September and some new neighbors moved in -- the only real change in this variable here. Sadly, the new neighbors were clones from the previous neighbors which is currently making the living experience worse than the previous jerks. This year was the worst year on record ever for "bad neighbors." I've had my share of issues in the past, but this last year has had me "on edge" with amount of problems I'm having. When I first moved into my building in January 2014, it was quiet and I had no problems whatsoever. In fact, several of the neighbors in the building that live here were here when I first moved in. The problems all started recently. The mail theft in my building started because I lost my credit card at Manchester Airport the day I left England. I was rushing through the terminal and the security to get to my flight on time (it was a 3 hour drive from Avebury) and I lost my credit card. LUCKILY, I knew exactly where I lost it and immediately when I got home, I successfully reported the card lost. The representative and I went through each transaction and I verified them ALL without a problem. They were all mine. The problem came a week later when they were going to Express a new CC to my apartment (bad move on my part). Little did I know at the time what Express meant. It basically meant UPS was going to drop it off in the building, which they confirmed later is what they did. The problem with that is someone in my building stole my mail and then stole my SSN to use the card. Once I found out how they activated the card, I was just beside myself. Very paranoid and UPSET! Still I am now! I spent that weekend from October 27 locking down my credit, opening an Identity Theft issue with the Federal Trade Commission, filing a police report and much more. What confirmed the fact the card was actively being used was the fraud alert I got on October 27. The card was also being used downtown Chicago at places. <i>I've been through this once before in my life and thought I was past this!</i></div><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;"><i>2017 Goal:&nbsp;Find a new home! Yep, as much as I like my neighborhood (Albany Park), the apartment I live in has several faults, including kids that don't care about other neighbors in the building. 401k. Pre-Approval on mortgage.</i></blockquote><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">There it is; the goal I set last December. So where does this leave me now? SCARED, VERY MAD AND UNHAPPY! I did manage to achieve the outstanding credit score and the Pre-Approval, so I guess this goal is not all for naught. I was going to use my credit this year to buy a house, but because of this crap, I'm set back. What really lights the fire here is the fact I've worked my ass off to get where I'm at now only to have this crap happen! I'm thankful that I NIPPED THIS IN THE BUD to its fullest, but in the Month of Cyber Awareness (October), this attack happens! I think part of the problem was due to the Equifax breach earlier this year. I hung this in my apartment building recently because I am so mad!!! I addressed it "to whomever." The police are still investigating this and gathering information, so that's good to know. As far as the theft is concerned; in the end, I really guess I don't know whom, but you fail to trust the people you live with! So, it's probably best to get out.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>"To whomever is stealing mail and people’s identities (social security numbers) in this building, you and/or your accomplices know who you are. It needs to stop now. Whether you get caught or not, you need to know what you have done is a still considered a crime and a punishable offense. Be it on your own conscience – if you have one. The thefts are confirmed and originated in this building. So, whatever you’ve done is done. Good luck. Next time get your own credit and your own credit cards."</i></div><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Picture if you will; I live under the same roof as criminals!</i></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q8D1ZoQ8Uyg/WhjHpgW-GNI/AAAAAAABWFk/A49WfQqiP8UZBxzl5KpDrt5PpSgcopooQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_7850-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q8D1ZoQ8Uyg/WhjHpgW-GNI/AAAAAAABWFk/A49WfQqiP8UZBxzl5KpDrt5PpSgcopooQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_7850-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Near 91st Street</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Darien IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">February 18, 2017</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>So, now where do I go? Live under the same roof with the crooks?</i>&nbsp;Do you have any idea and know what that feels like???? I've had all my mail re-routed to my place of business. The mail theft has happened more than once! Originally, I was house hunting (2017 goal) but that has rapidly changed. I started looking for apartments back in the suburbs, mainly at Waterfall Glen where I used to live before the city. I left there on superb terms and the landlord offered me a place to come back there. I'm not sure yet how this is going to work for the holiday because I was planning to go visit my folks in Cleveland, the week of Christmas. So, I might have to revisit this next year. The landlord at Waterfall Glen said I could put a deposit down on the place to reserve it so I'm probably going to do that.</div><br />Time to move on!<br /><br /><b>Something's Gotta Give by Beastie Boys</b><br /><i>The Destination is nearly Ended.</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--L55r7l-UPA/WhjMlTromLI/AAAAAAABWF0/4lP_0I2up34156XTnmblBZheWjH6Uc_EQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_9254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--L55r7l-UPA/WhjMlTromLI/AAAAAAABWF0/4lP_0I2up34156XTnmblBZheWjH6Uc_EQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_9254.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Chicago Riverwalk</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Near LaSalle Street</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">August 24, 2017</span></div><i><br /></i><b><i>2018 Give Way!</i></b><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />It has a nice English touch to it, because there it's "give way" not "yield" like here in the US. This what I take that to mean: "Yield indicates to me slow down stupid, look what is going on around you and act accordingly. But the term Give Way says to me, be nice give the other vehicle their way. My whole life I thought Yield meant slow down and caution, not according to Webster. Means produces or provides: to relinquish one's possessions; to surrender; to give way." With things going on in my life now, I think this plays into what next year will be for me. I have my English vacation to thank for that.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>The Chinese Rooster has crowed! The dogs are coming out to play.</i></b> I'm officially declaring now "Give Way" my theme for the New Year. I know it's early but England helped me pick this one out! Thank you for all reading my blog this month and thank you to all that made it happen. This year has been quite a year and I truly did make the magic happen for "The Destination is There" with God's help. I intend writing another blog next month ala New Year's goals. I probably will be reusing some of these goals for 2018. <i>Give way for the dogs! The destination has been achieved. Next month, I'm going to re-evaluate my goals for 2017 and set some new ones I think. Over the year, I'm very pleased to see that I've achieved many of my 2017 goals and resolutions. It does bring some comfort.</i></div><br /><i>Until next month, thanks for digesting this one...</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DzmfTMzkOfQ/WhjOAbRZbvI/AAAAAAABWGA/0U19OBf7IiURWaucIaSgmtsYhyrIstYwwCLcBGAs/s1600/20171020_181245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DzmfTMzkOfQ/WhjOAbRZbvI/AAAAAAABWGA/0U19OBf7IiURWaucIaSgmtsYhyrIstYwwCLcBGAs/s640/20171020_181245.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Back Porch of Apartment</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">N. Drake &amp; N. Central Park Alley</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Albany Park, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 20, 2017</span></div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RicChatham1013"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPP6SRT8mfY/URSDP7VGspI/AAAAAAAALO4/tkmLnmNM8s4/s1600/facebook-icon-25px.gif" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://plus.google.com/+EricChatham/"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eosiN9hkL1g/UwA97lziHzI/AAAAAAAAc_w/8mSg7Jb73LY/s1600/gplus-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://foursquare.com/user/29100101"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZmjRClf0XA/URSDWIlhFFI/AAAAAAAALPA/sDAblL-jdTc/s1600/foursquare-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ericrchatham"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LwcLDEwkQk/URSDdp6ss-I/AAAAAAAALPI/-aLb0I_PiFE/s1600/linked-icon-25px.gif" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.shekinya.net/"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7C2KjSQbMI/URSDkVeoieI/AAAAAAAALPQ/7BUwkwqwWII/s1600/shekinya-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/anelfinphile"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-euhpUUCymoM/URSDp6hhrqI/AAAAAAAALPY/FGYa3-Ml9AU/s1600/you-tube-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.sports-tracker.com/#/view_profile/echatham1013"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv3iS_Rf2Qc/URSIbJOWvYI/AAAAAAAALQQ/sljM9cUtrgs/s1600/sports-tracker-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.meetup.com/VentureAround/"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZcaiMdS57A/UXHteVWaJPI/AAAAAAAAOkA/xhbVgYpnHMI/s1600/meetupicon.png" /></a></td> </tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;;">Connect to me elsewhere at your own risk.</span></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;;">FOUNDATIONAL BLOGS</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: small;"><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-life-starts-at-water-tower-in-chicago.html">My Life starts at the Chicago Water Tower!</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/mark-0000-last-0-is-for-time-parameter.html">Mark 0, 0, 0, 0. The last 0 is for the time parameter</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/10/keeping-train-of-thought-and-keeping-on.html">Keeping a train of thought and keeping on track.</a></span>Eric Chathamhttps://plus.google.com/103180783527067419905noreply@blogger.com0Avebury, Marlborough SN8 1RE, UK51.429455999999988 -1.853045999999949327.439766499999987 -43.161639999999949 75.419145499999985 39.45554800000005tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877632834855922254.post-55217361906115624522017-09-24T18:22:00.000-05:002017-11-19T14:09:36.550-06:00Chicago Day 1973<b>2017 The Destination is There!</b><br /><b><br /></b> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKs3dxUNr2c/Wcg83mSPQ0I/AAAAAAABTFY/4fO9bKfBi3kwnU97sNtNzIZG8qll5TwGQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_9348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKs3dxUNr2c/Wcg83mSPQ0I/AAAAAAABTFY/4fO9bKfBi3kwnU97sNtNzIZG8qll5TwGQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_9348.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Where is my destination?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">September 7, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ravenswood, Chicago IL</span></div><br /><i>My September Bible Verse and Theme.</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7</i></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>September 23, 2017. Day 1973 in Chicago. Eric failing deletions. End of the world?&nbsp;</b><i style="text-align: justify;">Do not be anxious. 1973 was the year I was born.</i><span style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;Anxiety was my September theme. Hello all, this year has been a very ominous one to say the least with a lot going on spiritually and emotionally. In this stage of my life, this has hit me hardest in the heart this Summer. In fact, if this blog reads a devotional, then I'm hoping I did this right! There have been a lot of struggles and it makes me think about the New Year's Theme I used last year, </span><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2016/12/a-letter-from-front.html" style="text-align: justify;"><b>A Letter From The Front</b></a><span style="text-align: justify;">, which was a song by Mylon and Broken Heart. That song was about fighting and struggling "in a time of war" which could be a spiritual war. This year I've been really battling and struggling with faith and anxiety...especially more this Summer, and it has given me an idea for my New Year's Theme of 2018, </span><b style="text-align: justify;">The Battleground is in the Heart.</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> That battle has intensified this Summer especially after my parents came to visit me in July. I think the main reason I chose </span><b style="text-align: justify;">The Destination is There</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> last December &nbsp;for my 2017 theme was, not only because of the song by </span><i style="text-align: justify;">Carman</i><span style="text-align: justify;">, but because of going back to church and getting back into faith and God's Grace. Last August 2016, I was looking for a home church with my friend Michael Lawrence and the first hit on Google gave me "Destination Church" in Chicago. The problem with that is I procrastinated on attending, which brings me to August 2017 and being "nudged" I think. The last blog I wrote was "</span><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2017/08/wake-up-number-47.html" style="text-align: justify;">Wake up Number 47</a><span style="text-align: justify;">," and in Chicago now, there have been 50 sightings of this <i>Mothman</i> creature in the city. In fact, I visited my Mom and Dad for Labor Day weekend this month and it was the first time I paid attention to driving out of Chicago which can only be described as a "weight lifting off my shoulders and a veil coming off" with all the anger, anxiety and chaos. So, I don't know what's in Chicago's future, but it's probably a good idea to pray for our city here.</span><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: justify;"><i>• 2017 Goal: Build my faith stronger and filled with the Spirit. Accountability. Destination Church in Wrigleyville. Thank you, Michael K. Lawrence II.</i></span></blockquote></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This blog will have a different tone to it I believe and I've put off once again finishing my Summer blog. Next month I celebrate a birthday and I'll be in England that week with my camera...<i>Life Altering Decision</i> ahead! In case no one's figured out but "Eric failing deletions" is an anagram for "Life Altering Decision," an anagram I came up with in 2011.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0i5He1IwK1U/Wca91eWrjOI/AAAAAAABTBc/OGbe0rFBs44yXZOep1kb6CiczDUDJ7fSQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_9744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0i5He1IwK1U/Wca91eWrjOI/AAAAAAABTBc/OGbe0rFBs44yXZOep1kb6CiczDUDJ7fSQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_9744.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A new slant!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">September 22, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago River Walk</span></div><br /><b>The Destination is There!</b><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>It is Summall.</i> These past months have been filled with a lot of anxiety with "world problems." The opening to this blog sums up what I should be doing from God's Word. This year has been an anxious one. I came to the verses above from prayer and reading God's Word. In my previous blog, "Wake up number 47," I eluded the the uneasy feeling I've had all summer since May. That feeling has not "released" since then. I would say that it's reached a culmination last month on August 4, 2017. Yeah, I remember the day plainly because that Friday night, I had a very fearful dream. It was so fearful that I e-mailed myself the dream when I woke up.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>The death dream. The Destination is Destination Church.</i> As you all know, I chose this as my New Year's Theme. I believe it hit its real meaning and climax on August 5, 2017, when I was "scared back into church." It was Sunday morning and I attended my first church service here in Chicago at "Destination Church" in Boystown, not far from Wrigley Field. I hate to say it that way but I think that's what happened that Saturday morning, August 4. In that dream it can only be described as three intense feelings: Abandoned, unworthy and condemned.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: x-small;">-------- Original message --------<br />From: "Eric R. Chatham" &lt;echatham1013@shekinya.net&gt;<br />Date: 8/5/17 07:14 (GMT-06:00)<br />To: Eric Chatham &lt;echatham@avcite.com&gt;<br />Subject: Death Dream<br /><br />Was in Living room in house from Maple Heights. Mom and Dad there. I was praying to Jesus for forgiveness. It was the final hour before judgment. I think Dad was there. Mom was sitting on couch and I was on the floor. Cheri was in dream too. I'm calling this dream the final hour.<br />I prayed when I woke up. I was scared in my dream and was praying for forgiveness. I was relieved when I woke up. That couldn't be a good thing. Should feel joy you'd think meeting Jesus if you're a believer.<br /><br />Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone</span></blockquote><div>In the dream, I was in the living room of the childhood house I grew up in Maple Heights OH. I was kneeling and it felt so real. My Mom and Dad were there (at least it felt like my Dad was there only because he would've been sitting behind me in his chair). Mom was sitting on the couch next to me. It was the final hour before Judgement Day, the last hour before we would give account of our lives. It was a very intense moment and it felt so real. We were each waiting our turn to go before the throne. Oddly, our waiting spot was the living room of my house in Maple Heights OH. My brothers weren't there so I'm not sure why it was like that. Parents only. I was kneeling on the floor asking God for forgiveness of my sins. Anyhow, that dream felt so real and when I woke up Saturday morning, I hate to say I was relieved but I was. In fact after e-mailing myself the dream, I asked myself a few questions in a "reply all." I also forwarded the dream to my friend Jeff and Rich.<br /><i><br /></i><i>Am I ready to meet Jesus?</i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Am I permitted into His kingdom?<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Have I asked for forgiveness? He went to the cross and died for my sins.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Do I believe and His Word and its truth?<o:p></o:p></i></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Am I ashamed?</i><o:p></o:p></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">That Sunday, August 6, I was back in church with believers. I finally made to Destination Church. The pastor was preaching about <a href="http://destinationchurch.org/sermon-archives/">Judgement Day</a> as part of his message too, which further made me think about the dream from the night before. I talked to the Pastor afterwards and we prayed about it, and I would later pray and learn about the dream in August. The prayer with the Pastor after the service didn't bring me any comfort immediately but as I mentioned, I later would do some soul searching on my own...<br /><br /><i>Anxiety is a spiritual problem indicating lack of faith.</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Going to church does not make me a believer; however, it's a place where believers fellowship and worship the Lord together. Being a believer is a personal relationship between God and me. That comes with faith, prayer and studying God's word. I would later do soul searching on my own...<br /><br /><i>"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."</i> II Corinthians 10:5<br /><br /><i>In fact, my friend Jeff Korhorn replied to my e-mail afterwards about "...taking every thought into the obedience of Christ" from II Corinthians.</i> I read the verses and prayed about it. Actually he was referring to the "Revelation 12 sign, September 23" hysteria we discussed previously but I thought about the dream I had on August 5, that scared me back into church. The dream happened, but the feelings I had in the dream were my own. I thought back to that Friday night before bed. It was a busy day at work and we were upgrading our phone system that night. Things weren't working to how we wanted them to and we were all working on the problem well into the night before my Boss said "let's pick it up in the morning." So, we all went to bed that night not knowing [at least me] if it would be fixed and the issue was still broken. <i>Then, I had that dream!</i> So, praying about that and bringing the "...thoughts into the obedience of Christ" helped later. Those feelings were not from God. They were mine; probably because of all the stress from Friday. Regardless, when I woke up Saturday, I was "scared back into church." It could've been God allowing the dream to happen because <i>I was putting off my faith and sinning</i>. Maybe he thought, <i>"Enough is enough! Get back to worshiping me!"</i> Church and fellowship would be a good start to that destination! <i>The Destination is There!</i></div><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bHb_heSGHUk/Wcg7OaHaCDI/AAAAAAABTFI/n1u8TOv8hvgT692rtMCSO0cn7z7XW_TowCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_2252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bHb_heSGHUk/Wcg7OaHaCDI/AAAAAAABTFI/n1u8TOv8hvgT692rtMCSO0cn7z7XW_TowCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_2252.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Moody Skies over the Mart</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">June 20, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Merchandise Mart Rooftop</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">VelocityEHS</span></div><b><br /></b><b>A Crisis of Faith</b><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>I waited for the Lord on High. I waited and He heard my Cry.</i> &nbsp;As I mentioned, August and September laid heavy on my heart and it started after my parent's visit and the dream I had on August 5. I have learned a lot though and as a start, I downloaded Bible Gateway and Daily Bread onto my mobile devices. What better way to load a useful app on my new Android Samsung Galaxy 8 but by downloading these useful apps. Soul searching began throughout August and I started reading the Bible on Brown Line morning commute to work each day.</div><br /><i>A foundation in Grace? What better way but to start with the Gospels and learn about the life of Jesus, Truth in bodily form.</i><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I picked the Gospels as a starting point because I think it's important to understand the object of faith and God's Grace. Reading in the mornings before work helped a bit. The soul searching was still underway though and my sin became an issue. In evenings, when you're alone by yourself, that's when it matters the most I think. A lot of those evenings before bed were spent on my knees before God. I'm not boasting or showing off here! Don't get me wrong but God does bring us to our knees many times and it's nothing to be ashamed about. He is so far above us, almighty, all-knowing and everywhere at once. One day I wrote this poem:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qP8w1FNdmmw/WcbLwrDyaKI/AAAAAAABTB8/qrCMMM0UHosrbgl2Dssa3YNQc2_YnqM0QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_9324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="263" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qP8w1FNdmmw/WcbLwrDyaKI/AAAAAAABTB8/qrCMMM0UHosrbgl2Dssa3YNQc2_YnqM0QCLcBGAs/s400/DSC_9324.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Each night…</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The back of my eyelids belong to you O Lord. They see what is not seen. Closed to the world around me but opened up to your throne above the heavenly realms. You wash them with my tears, constantly streaming and renewing my sight before you. They don’t see what is seen; They see what I don’t see by faith. My eyes say, “Fear not, eyelids, veil the world before me, so that I see the grace of Christ, his throne, and the world of the heavenly realms. It is the only way.”</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The balls of my knee caps belong to you O Lord. They rest upon the rocky, hard ground before you and they remain unmoved by my spirit and my soul as I seek you on your throne. Though they bear the weight of my being, as I kneel, they proclaim the awesome and the almighty God you are, in which my feet cannot understand. They say, “Fear not, feet, know the power of God, and how awesome He is. You may stand in pride, but we only know the humility from God on knees.”</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The clasp of my hands belong to you O Lord. My fingers intertwine and seal the bond I share with you in prayer in the spiritual realms with Christ. They touch the heavenly realms and not things of this world. Clasped together, my hands reach out for your forgiveness, grace and acceptance. For your wrists bear the wounds of my salvation, and my own hands can’t comprehend what that means, but they only beg for good works which you provided ahead of time for them. My wrists say, “Fingers, come together. Fear not, and tighten your grip. God has brought you together by the grace of Jesus Christ.”</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>My dirtied forehead belongs to you O Lord. For it lays heavily on the ground before you, burdened by the world and its empty promises, weighed down by guilt and sin; you lift of my countenance. Laying heavily upon the ground, you lift it up, and it rests in you and is wiped clean by your love and truth. My brow says, “Fear not, lay your burdens down on God. Rest your forehead in Him. He will give you rest. He sees the dirt on your forehead and washes it away with his love.”</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The beating of my heart belongs to you O Lord. It beats out life in communion with you, but it fails me. It beats, but it fails me. You cleanse my heart and you renew it. You put joy in there with hope and promise. It maintains my own blood but it is reminded of the blood you shed for me and how your blood washed me clean of all my iniquity. “Fear not heart, beat to God’s love. Beat to him. Blood flows through you, but receive the beat of God’s heart and allow his blood to flow through you.”</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>His blood. It washed the back of my eyelids. It washed my dirtied forehead. It purified my clasped hands. It renewed the strength of my knee caps. That is why I can lie prostrate to your throne O Lord.</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I think it relates to how I felt on a few of those nights. One thing I really wrestle with in prayer is my heart! We say the things we say to God in prayer, but he searches the heart. Many times, I just find myself saying, "I don't know my heart now and I don't know how to pray." Jesus didn't come to earth with a military. Remember that. He targets the heart; its issues and sickness. So often times, I pray that God quiets my soul so I can "look to Him" and try to understand what's on my heart. I fear many times it's lip service and I struggle and battle for God to know my heart and that it's true before Him, especially when talking to Him. September was a month of anxiety, but I'm hoping the week of September 24th to start meeting up with <i>Destination Church Small Groups</i>. &nbsp;I signed up for two of them, so I'm looking forward to them and being with other believers. I AM EXCITED!!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://destinationchicago.churchcenteronline.com/groups/small-groups-fall-2017/tue01-romans">TUE01-ROMANS</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Tuesday nights: The book of Romans is an expansive resource for what the church should look like. Paul tackles issues of the Christian life and we will be taking an in-depth look at what he has to say.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://destinationchicago.churchcenteronline.com/groups/small-groups-fall-2017/wed04-marriage-for-the-unmarried">WED04-Marriage for the UNmarried</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Wednesday nights: In his bestseller “The Meaning of Marriage” NYC Pastor Tim Keller says that "single people cannot live their lives well as singles without a balanced, informed view of marriage." So, join us as we discuss what the Bible says about marriage and what that should mean for our lives now.</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bL5tXbnZsEk/WcgmOzPEqyI/AAAAAAABTEc/8uay8y5xjPwITHNC617HLMIT_77nRZmlQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_8809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bL5tXbnZsEk/WcgmOzPEqyI/AAAAAAABTEc/8uay8y5xjPwITHNC617HLMIT_77nRZmlQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_8809.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Total Eclipse of the Mart</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">August 21, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Merchandise Mart Rooftop</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">VelocityEHS</span></div><br /><b>Revelation 12, The Woman clothed with the Sun...</b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">In the month of the Eclipse I came across an article about September 23rd being the end of the world or about something bad happening. Immediately, I reacted with anxiety but, with soul searching, God already has stated in His word that we don't know the day or the hour. What caught my attention more was the fact that September 23rd is my 1,973rd day in Chicago. 1973 is the year I was born. I don't know what it means but with some soul searching and prayer, it's not numbers that matter! God speaks to me through His WORD and His WORD alone! In the article a numerologist uses the number 33 and the alignment of stars with Virgo to give "prediction" in Revelation 12. David Meade (whoever this guy is, God only knows) has predicted the world's end on September 23, but as of now today Sunday, September 24th, he retracted that and now is saying in October it will start [with the tribulation period]. My friend, Cheri Foster, shared this article with me, and in fact <i>I told her if that be the case, we need to watch out for a guy who the world worships and says "peace and safety." That would be a bad sign for everyone!</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.kare11.com/ext/news/nation-now/man-who-said-the-world-is-ending-saturday-changed-his-mind-it-isn-t-actually-ending/63/nationnow/1SV3KZbpu8iKUYIq2YqQiw">Man who said the world is ending Saturday changed his mind. It isn't actually ending</a><br /><br />I replied to Cheri with these words:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;"><i>I will share my thoughts on the Revelation 12 thing. When I read the Bible, I read it in context meaning I don't just take a couple verses out and make it gospel truth (no pun intended). Instead, Revelation 12 is a prologue. The first few verses talk about the birth of Christ (woman clothed with the sun and moon at her feet, travailing in birth), Mary and Joseph fleeing to Egypt to avoid Herod (the dragon waited for the birth; woman fled to the wilderness). The next verse talk about the war in heaven between God and Satan (the dragon flung a third of the stars to the earth with his tail). Satan took a third of the angels with him and currently is pursuing the offspring of Christ. So, where it gets into the future stuff is actually in chapter 13. Beast of the earth and beast of the sea. This is what I was going to put in my blog and apparently this particular star alignment has occurred a few times since the birth of Christ. I prayed about this and after I read the WHOLE chapter in its context it makes more sense. Plus, the inspired writers of the Bible did not write chronologically. They were wrote as they were inspired to write. Genesis 1, verse 1 and 2 are similar to this. In verse 1 God created the heavens and earth, but suddenly in verse 2 the earth is formless and a void. Verse 2 doesn't contradict verse 1. Verse 1 was an introduction to the chapter. Just my thoughts.</i>&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;"><i>Oddly, I read this chapter out loud when I had prayed about it because I wanted to understand it too with all the hype this dude was putting on the celestial alignments. Also I was talking to a friend about it (right Jeff Korhorn) and read it out loud. It read exactly like a prologue. One tenant that people forget is that the Lord said we don't know the day or the hour of his coming. We're to be ready for whatever that day might be. The other thing I really prayed about is the NUMBER thing even today being 1973rd day in Chicago. God speaks to us through his WORD. Not through numbers or signs. His WORD only. So if we want to know what God says about something, we look in his Word, not David Meade. I also have since frowned on the astrological portrayal here too since again God only uses his Word to speak to us. Not stars, or numbers or signs. His Word only. Hope that helps.</i>&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;"><i>The End Times officially started after Christ ascended to Heaven and the Holy Spirit came. It didn't just start in this century. Our timeline is not God's timeline.</i></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">So, now in the news we are left with the devastation of multiple hurricanes, earthquakes and two men that can't understand that "Joshua can't win <a href="https://youtu.be/NHWjlCaIrQo">Tic-Tac-Toe</a>." I'm referring to the movie Wargames, which starred Matthew Broderick, but applying this to our President and that of N. Korea; two people I'm very uncomfortable with this month. The devastation of Puerto Rico and Mexico this month has been catastrophic and cataclysmic and a source of anxiety for EVERYONE in the world. The world issues prompted the anxiety theme for this month. These articles were read last August about debunking the September 23 Planet-X end of the world prophecy. These articles may be helpful for anyone in the months ahead as well.</div><br />Answers in Genesis: <a href="https://answersingenesis.org/astronomy/stars/what-will-happen-september-23-2017/">What Will Happen on September 23, 2017?</a><br />Escape All these Things: <a href="https://escapeallthesethings.com/sept-2017-revelation-12/">What The September, 2017 Revelation 12 Sign Tells Us</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I will share the same thing I shared with others and after praying about it this month. In fact, when some yahoo sets a day, you can best bet it's NOT the day. As of today Sunday September 24, this dude is changing his "prophecies" about the ending of the world and the appearance of Nibiru, and the reports are not consistent. He wrote a few books so I think he feels entitled to continue the lie he had published in his books about September 23.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1. We don't know the day or hour of the Lord's coming. He warned us to be ready because we don't know. This is date setting.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2. I don't think a planet is going to collide. It doesn't fit with the Bible nor does it fit scientifically. We should be able to see this now with the naked eye in the sky. There have been claims that people have seen it by the sun but I haven't see it.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">3. The star alignment thing. Virgo is one constellation. So Leo is her crown? Who says we can use stars of another constellation? Also, there are more than 9 stars in Leo. One thing I've learned is people see what they want to see. Jupiter orbits the sun every 12 years. So it spends 1 year in each sign of the zodiac.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">4. Jupiter is the "messiah." This is astrology! Also, they are saying that Virgo gives birth to Jupiter on 9/23. How do we know this? Virgo is a constellation made up of various stars. How can we tell what or where her womb really is.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">5. Could something happen that day? Ok so here is the unsettling news. Yes. I believe something can and I am unsettled about it. Man can use this day to do something bad, commit an act of terrorism, etc. It could start something bad. So, yeah, if anything, that's what I'm unsettled about. Man can use this day in a terrifying way to promote evil to its meaning.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">6. I don't get the Giza and Pyramid mention in this and what that has to do with that. People need to be careful about date setting especially Christians. Remember Harold Camping a couple years ago? The blood moons? The Sun lines up with the equator each Spring and Fall. That's why we have something called Chicagohenge here in Chicago.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">7. I believe the Luke verses represent the Great Tribulation. We've had signs in the skies, sun, "churning of seas," moon and stars since Christ's time. It should be interesting to note here the Greek word for Heaven in those words is Ouranos or where we get the word Uranium.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">8. Revelation 12. From my own reading of the chapter in its CONTEXT, meditation and prayer, it's a prologue! It introduces the birth of the Messiah during the time of Herod and how the Messiah fled to Egypt at the time of His birth because Herod intended on killing him. Much like Genesis 1 and even John 1, Revelation 12 is prologue. Revelation isn't just future prophecy, it also is past and present prophecy viz revelation.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">9. The truth is, none of us are guaranteed another day, whatever that day may be; today, tomorrow, September 23, next year, 10 years from now, whenever. We are called to repent and accept Christ's grace and forgiveness. Since this is a "Bible prophecy" in question here, this is the rebuttal to this.</span></div><br /><b>Alright, I'll share a prophecy about the End of World. Ready???</b><br /><br /><b>This is the LAST SIGN, the FINAL SIGN, the GREATEST SIGN before the end of all things. Wait for it...</b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Jesus said, <i>"And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and <b>then the end will come</b>."</i> Matthew 24:14.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It's not my prophecy. Jesus said the Gospel would be preached in the whole world FIRST before the end comes. <i>This is the sign we should [especially believers] pay attention to not David Meade!</i>&nbsp;Only God knows where the Gospel still needs preached right now. There still may be untouched parts of our world which have not yet heard the Good News of the Gospel and about God's Grace. <i>IF that's the case, it's NOT THE END YET!</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>"...For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be."</i>&nbsp;Matthew 24:27.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3c0FdTwx8xA/Wcg3nebBVuI/AAAAAAABTE8/5N2CuR3nuh42SZuDEwi9rKjy8CS-BfDcACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_2770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3c0FdTwx8xA/Wcg3nebBVuI/AAAAAAABTE8/5N2CuR3nuh42SZuDEwi9rKjy8CS-BfDcACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_2770.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A Solstice Sunset over the Sears Tower</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">June 21, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Museum Campus Shedd</span></div><br /><b>Fa'afetai, Eric.</b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I was watching the "My Name is Earl" TV series on Netflix and I got up to Season three where Earl is in a coma. It sometimes becomes quick how distant from God we can get just from watching TV; however, one thing really touched me in the episode, “No heads and a duffel bag.”</div><br />Earl’s Dad leans over him in a coma and whispers in his ears:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Fa'afetai, Earl.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Fa'afetai.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Oh, and one more thing.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I never gave up on you, son, and I never will.</i></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">That's God our Father after we've been adopted into his family! On a more personal level as it was seen in the TV episode, that's God speaking to me [in a sense], and that's how I related that scene with Earl and his Dad It makes me think of the verse "...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6. In fact, I don't remember why I added this Bible Verse to my YouTube Video about Chicago, and I really don't remember my heart attitude at that time, but I do remember the tearful prayers on the night of November 15, 2011 in Cross Creek Apartments of Brunswick OH. "Remember that day 15 years ago, don't botch it up this time." I think those words mean NOW! I included the Philippians 1:6 verse at the end of this video.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Z7s3XPxiojw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z7s3XPxiojw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Where are you going?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><i>"Today! It's Sunday September 24, Day 1974, Eric!"</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Read Psalm 95 and Hebrews 4 first.</i> "...<b>Today</b>, if only you would hear his voice, 'Do not harden your hearts...' They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they have not known my ways.’ So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’" I had intended watching the movie "Son of God" on Netflix today, but I believe I was inspired to read Psalm 95 beforehand. "Do not harden your hearts." I didn't know what the Psalm was about. God knows his Word, the books, chapters and verses; so, I went into reading it without remembering what that Psalm was about.&nbsp;</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I prayed about this after I read it and showed concern with God for the Psalm. My spirit was troubled. It starts off with praising, worshipping and thankfulness then talks about "...hearts going astray..." and to those God said "...shall not enter my rest." It led me to read Hebrews 4 as well. I prayed, being convicted of the Psalm's message and falling into the category of a "...heart going astray." I only pray that God uses me and knows my heart. Actually, instead of reading the Bible on my phone app, I picked up my old NKJV Bible and read from there instead. I was truly convicted here...</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Now</b>, you can watch Son of God.</i> After having prayed about the Psalm, I then watched "Son of God" on Netflix. A bit disappointed how it played out, I think the scene which hit me the most was Peter forsaking Christ at his trial and the crucifixion of Christ. "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do." Immediately, I thought of Psalm 95. "Today, if only you would hear his voice..." Again, "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do. It is finished." I won't detail how I felt or reacted. Honestly, that is between God and myself! I will just say this:</div><br /><b><i>God is speaking now and tells us to seek him and find him. He goes to prepare a place for us. God spoke through Jesus.</i></b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So, I only pray that whomever is reading this understands and God's glory and forgiveness. Look at the life of Christ and know God! Today, I give him PRAISE in this blog for the things he showed me [and you reading]! <i>I am proud to praise the name of &nbsp;the Lord, the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob!</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><b>God's Word remains True and stands the test of the Ages.</b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We have Truth in God's Word and it will live forever and ever: <i>"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope."</i> Romans 15:4</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I haven't witnessed the Resurrection with my own eyes, but like the Lord blessing Thomas, who doubted it, Jesus said, <i>"...blessed are those that have not seen but yet believe."</i> That's where Faith comes in TODAY and NOW! This mediation led up to October's theme, CALM THE STORMS, LORD! With the storms we've had this month, what about the storms in our own lives? Anxiety, worries, cares, <b>doubts</b>, finances, life, the heart! They're all storms.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>October's life theme:</b> <i>"Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. “<b>Silence!</b> He commanded. “<b>Be still!</b>” And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm. Why are you so afraid?” He asked. “Do you still have no faith?" </i>Mark 4:39.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ip-8U3-U6n8/WcgtMUg6KJI/AAAAAAABTEw/k0XoiVqKlhY_SUFgoKYUnZD2ySaEN5HJACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_9578-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ip-8U3-U6n8/WcgtMUg6KJI/AAAAAAABTEw/k0XoiVqKlhY_SUFgoKYUnZD2ySaEN5HJACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_9578-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Last Day of Summer</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">September 22, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">LaSalle Street Bridge</span></div><br /><b>2018 The Battleground is in the Heart!</b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>This is going to my theme for 2018</i> if it be God's Will. Jesus did not come with a military of a charge of angels. That in fact is what the nation of Israel expected on Palm Sunday when he paraded into Jerusalem; no, in the same manner today, Jesus does not come with a military. He targets the HEART! He was after HEART ISSUES even today in our world, His message is the same! The problem with people starts in the HEART. So, that gave me the idea for the 2018 theme. I felt it was necessary to post this with this blog because I've never been the one that has fit in or been a part of the crowd. In fact, many times, I'm hurt and wonder what's wrong with me. Praying this week about the Small Groups at Destination Church, I still feel this way among people that are believers. So, I'm hoping God will help me to connect to people at church with fellowship. I'm 43 years old and I can't believe I still have to "worry" about making friends [at my age].<br /><br /><i>Is the worth of what we post measured in our Facebook likes? Did that noise catch your attention? Then, you probably should keep reading.&nbsp;</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I posted this on my Facebook page, because many times, I question if anyone pays attention. Does a post go unliked, if you scroll past and it is unread? Does a tree make a sound when it falls in a forest and there is no one there to hear it? Think about this. We all seem to measure the worth of our posting in likes. We all have a lot to say and a lot to share here. Consider what you say here and you can usually see the trend setting in your status updates or likes. How many times do we all put our heart and soul into a post or something you share, but feel ignored? Does a tree make a sound when it falls in a forest and there is no one there to hear it? I ask myself that anytime I share or post something here. My comment/liking trending on my friends' page honestly reflects on me and what my morals, standards and who (or what) else is presented in the content of the post (and most times the ties that other friend may have).</div><br /><i>I express myself in my words. I'm not the best expressing myself verbally.</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Any time I've taken the MBTI test whether by a trained psychologist or online, I always get INFJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging), but even INFJ is a complex personality trait I'm learning. Everyone of them is different. I have always expressed myself in being honest, kind, considerate, selfless, meek and fair. Yes, I've had my bitter moments and if I seem distant with you at first, it's usually because I'm doing research on you and using the N, F and J in my personality type.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Be yourself, right?</i> One year, some dude told me to my face that I have to be more extroverted. Actually he said this, "you need to talk more and be loud and rowdy like a normal guy of your size." That really pissed me off, that someone would tell me how to live my life and be someone I wasn't. Not only did he stereotype me, but he told me to be something I was not. I've never been the loud, party-goer type. I have HOWEVER stepped outside my Introverted comfort zone and done meetups here in Chicago. Is it uncomfortable? YES! BUT, I go away each time feeling good that I did something with my day and that challenged me to a good end. I'm actually agoraphobic (fear of large crowds). Look where I live? Chicago! In a big city! I get out! I do things -- against my fear of large crowds. Trust me, this is NOT easy many times. Actually, this year, I dropped out of the leadership position of Meetup and my regular attendance has diminished this year except for a few like the "Windy City Wine Festival" and a couple others this year.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So, why are you seeing (or not seeing) this? Be true to yourself. If you're ignored or treated like a doormat, don't let that stop you for being the person God made you to be. Most times, when we are ignored or treated unfairly, we are the strongest, the ones that exhibit the most kindness, humility and meekness, the very qualities God likes to see in us as human beings, qualities lost in this world.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>"The meek shall inherit the Earth."</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I primarily say this, because one, when I left my last job, it was like a tree falling in the forest and no one was there to hear it. No one cared or wished me well. There are those few that do miss me and truly people I can call FRIEND. Two, I put my heart and soul into my friendships. It hurts ME when I see one of MY OWN friends hurting and I can't do anything to help. As I said, I'm up at 6am on a Saturday morning. Take these words with you. I will too. The Man who spoke these words has the Title Deed of our planet and the scars to prove it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-naxmusLls0o/Wcg4DY4IPcI/AAAAAAABTFA/mot-G-g1dhQdmOybaj0uyU9tcUIEdxyrgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_2176-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-naxmusLls0o/Wcg4DY4IPcI/AAAAAAABTFA/mot-G-g1dhQdmOybaj0uyU9tcUIEdxyrgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_2176-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lawrence Avenue Life</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lawrence and Drake</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">June 20, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Albany Park, Chicago IL</span></div><br />Matthew 5<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>The Beatitudes<br />Jesus said:</i>&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,<br />for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<br />4 Blessed are those who mourn,<br />for they will be comforted.<br />5 Blessed are the meek,<br />for they will inherit the earth.<br />6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,<br />for they will be filled.<br />7 Blessed are the merciful,<br />for they will be shown mercy.<br />8 Blessed are the pure in heart,<br />for they will see God.<br />9 Blessed are the peacemakers,<br />for they will be called children of God.<br />10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,<br />for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<br />11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.</i></blockquote><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Where do I go from here? What is my Destination for October?</b> <i>"Be still! Why are you so afraid? Do you still have little faith?"</i> The Lord is speaking. <i>Study.</i> He speaks through his word to me; not in numbers, not in good deeds [although that is fruit of the Spirit], not in signs! HE SPEAKS THROUGH HIS WORD AND HIS WORD ALONE! Read it! I pray and intend to keep my study in the Gospels and I believe I'm being led to read Colossians too. <i>Pray.</i> I am also praying how I can serve Him; he calls me to be a SERVANT! <i>Serve.</i> I love photography; I love writing; I still have several letters I wrote to inmates from the Gospel House in my storage unit. Maybe I need to take a trip over there and get those for reading. <i>Forgiveness.</i>&nbsp;2 years ago, I cut someone loose out of my life and I couldn't be happier about it. She was one reason I moved back to Chicago. She was also the same person who said I would fail and move back to Cleveland within 2 years. Yeah, thank you for your vote of confidence. I'd like to just point out but I've lived in Chicago for 5 years now. Each new day is a challenge and new step in my journey. I'm not doing this to prove a point; I'm doing it for a happier life without you in it! I need to pray and forgive.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>My earthly father.</i> I never got to share my Father's Day YouTube video.&nbsp;Happy Father's Day, Dad! A midsummer delight. This video is a tribute to my Dad, who taught me love of photography. I compiled the collection in June. I was going to include this in my Summer blog, but it looks like I might be scrapping that one now lol.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/d8OrWZ_pGqQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d8OrWZ_pGqQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Happy Father's Day, Dad!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>The Destination is England.</i> Next month I am planning a trip to England so I'm really excited about that. I must admit though, that right hand turn has me concerned HA! I'll be crossing over traffic! Lol. I am nervous about the driving and the flying the most though. Hopefully, I will be able to share more next month if I do another blog.<br /><br /><a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1MTQdxIGK3ecUN-pR-CbTOqmcSuo&amp;usp=sharing">My England Trip 10/13/2917</a><br /><br /><iframe height="480" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1MTQdxIGK3ecUN-pR-CbTOqmcSuo" width="640"></iframe><br /><i><br /></i> <i>Chicagohenge.</i> Each equinox in Chicago, the city's grid system aligns with the sun. So, on any East/West street downtown, photographers love to capture the moment of the setting or rising sun between the buildings. Keep Alignment with God. Just as September 23 marked the first day of Autumn and the equinox, God wishes to keep our hearts and souls aligned with Him. <i>A special praise to God for being blessed on September 23.</i> He used the year I was born 1973 for the amount of days I was in Chicago and to coincide with a day that many would falsely proclaimed as the end of the world. PRAISE HIM! Only he [God] could be so perfect to make the days line up the way they did on September 23! He deserves the praise and attention for this!!!! Look to Him! I praise Him for this blessing. Truly. I thought about it afterwards! Thank you Lord for that blessing!!! 1973! My birth year! It's a blessing! Not something to be anxious about! This points to His Awesomeness that goes beyond all understanding or comprehension! I pray this helps others. Why? Because I admit I was very anxious about this day to begin with but it turned into a blessing afterwards! I've had that timer running on my <a href="http://www.shekinya.net/">website</a> since I moved [back] to Chicago. A true testament to God and how He works. Help me to keep my eyes on YOU, the Resurrected One!<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>"Lord, our Lord,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; how majestic is your name in all the earth!<br />You have set your glory<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; in the heavens.<br />Through the praise of children and infants<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; you have established a stronghold against your enemies,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; to silence the foe and the avenger.<br />When I consider your heavens,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; the work of your fingers,<br />the moon and the stars,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; which you have set in place,<br />what is mankind that you are mindful of them,<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; human beings that you care for them?" <a href="https://youtu.be/oJILqU55yXA">Psalm 8</a></i></blockquote><br /><b><i>Day 1975!</i></b>&nbsp;We're not supposed to ask for signs in our life, and I hope I've never asked for one, because I certainly didn't expect September 23rd, Chicago Day 1973, the way it happened. The Pharisees in Jesus' time asked for signs. God calls us to Faith. This section here is looking hindsight now on September 23. This day was a <b><i><u>blessing</u></i></b> for me <i><b><u>not a sign, not even a warning!</u></b></i> Many heralded that day as the end of the world [and yes I was anxious about it]. It's truly amazing how GOD works. He used the amount of days I was in Chicago to line up as the year I was born! BORN not END! 1973. This is a true testament to Him! Only He could be so perfect to line those days up like that. It's not an accident. I've had that timer on my website ever since I moved [back] here. Count your blessings from HIM; This was mine. He knows what we EACH need. PRAISE HIM! It made me think of Psalm 139. And this thankful post is to point you all TO HIM btw!&nbsp;It took a train ride home today to come to that realization about the date thing and recognize how great God truly is and makes us turn our attention to Him [well it did for me]. Lol. I thought about the November 15, 2011 tearful prayer <i>-- November 15 is my Chicago-versary btw</i>. I also thought how April 29, 2012 fit so well into His plans. I'm truly just awed right now! TRULY!&nbsp;This is NOT about me! By no means! After making the connection like this. It's about HIM. <u><i><b>God used this to point my attention to Him and Him alone</b></i></u>. Oh Lord, How majestic is Your Name in all the Earth!<br /><br /><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139">Psalm 139</a>: <i>"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.</i><br /><i>...all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Trz1ALSy_9Y/WchnYwOWieI/AAAAAAABTFs/RvrTK_NjbpAHO_rwTI8alShgxWfCGUvmACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_9809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1060" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Trz1ALSy_9Y/WchnYwOWieI/AAAAAAABTFs/RvrTK_NjbpAHO_rwTI8alShgxWfCGUvmACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_9809.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicagohenge</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">September 23, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jackson and Michigan Avenue.</span></div></div><br />Toodles for now...<br /><br /><br /><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RicChatham1013"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPP6SRT8mfY/URSDP7VGspI/AAAAAAAALO4/tkmLnmNM8s4/s1600/facebook-icon-25px.gif" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://plus.google.com/+EricChatham/"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eosiN9hkL1g/UwA97lziHzI/AAAAAAAAc_w/8mSg7Jb73LY/s1600/gplus-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://foursquare.com/user/29100101"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZmjRClf0XA/URSDWIlhFFI/AAAAAAAALPA/sDAblL-jdTc/s1600/foursquare-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ericrchatham"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LwcLDEwkQk/URSDdp6ss-I/AAAAAAAALPI/-aLb0I_PiFE/s1600/linked-icon-25px.gif" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.shekinya.net/"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7C2KjSQbMI/URSDkVeoieI/AAAAAAAALPQ/7BUwkwqwWII/s1600/shekinya-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/anelfinphile"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-euhpUUCymoM/URSDp6hhrqI/AAAAAAAALPY/FGYa3-Ml9AU/s1600/you-tube-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.sports-tracker.com/#/view_profile/echatham1013"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv3iS_Rf2Qc/URSIbJOWvYI/AAAAAAAALQQ/sljM9cUtrgs/s1600/sports-tracker-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.meetup.com/VentureAround/"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZcaiMdS57A/UXHteVWaJPI/AAAAAAAAOkA/xhbVgYpnHMI/s1600/meetupicon.png" /></a></td> </tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;;">Connect to me elsewhere at your own risk.</span></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;;">FOUNDATIONAL BLOGS</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: small;"><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-life-starts-at-water-tower-in-chicago.html">My Life starts at the Chicago Water Tower!</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/mark-0000-last-0-is-for-time-parameter.html">Mark 0, 0, 0, 0. The last 0 is for the time parameter</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/10/keeping-train-of-thought-and-keeping-on.html">Keeping a train of thought and keeping on track.</a></span>Eric Chathamhttps://plus.google.com/103180783527067419905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877632834855922254.post-10077188380584674482017-08-19T20:00:00.001-05:002017-09-23T13:26:40.731-05:00Wake Up Number 47!<b>2017 The Destination is There!</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bRrZ66wqLVg/WZjP1XiNmuI/AAAAAAABSCQ/fuq6acSG7gYyqHkqXTrRJxL8nyvpTG4OQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_3419-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bRrZ66wqLVg/WZjP1XiNmuI/AAAAAAABSCQ/fuq6acSG7gYyqHkqXTrRJxL8nyvpTG4OQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_3419-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bloody Skies over Chicago</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">June 21, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Adler's Front Porch</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We have an eclipse on Monday, but what really is happening in Chicago, and does next Wednesday have anything to do with it? #mothman #eclipse #blacksky</div><i><br /></i><i>Continue reading at your own risk and if you dare...</i><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. John 11:25</i></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed — in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. I Corinthians 15:51-52</i></blockquote><br /><b>Stay off the bridges in Chicago.</b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Ever since May, I've had a feeling of dread and felt a strange heaviness in the air here in Chicago. I originally had started composing a Summer blog for this year but I put that on hold after May when I just started feeling off! &nbsp;I remember plainly telling a friend how I felt back in May and I tried so hard shirking it off. I wrote a similar blog back in 2015 after the <a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2015/10/sunday-bloody-moon-day-hello-folks.html">Super Blood Moon</a> in September. So, now, with an oncoming of an solar eclipse event on Monday, I just had to get this off my mind. &nbsp;Plus, in the previous blogs I did for this year, I referenced some kind of cataclysmic event in each blog.</div><br />• The Destination Is There! (<a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-destination-is-there.html">February 4, 2017</a>) it was an asteroid. This was Happy New Year blog.<br />•&nbsp;Head in the Clouds! (<a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2017/03/head-in-clouds.html">March 12, 2017</a>) it was a CME from the Sun. This was my Spring blog.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Here we are nearing Summer's end. My Mom and Dad came and visited me on July 21 and 22. On that Saturday, we spent the day downtown. We went up to my office in the Merchandise Mart, explored the Bean, Grant Park, had lunch at The Gage, and a nice boat cruise on Wendella Boats. It was a lot of fun and I had a great time with them, even having a very tearful departure that Saturday night. Like me, my love of photography comes from my Dad, so he was taking pictures just as I was. Well, it wasn't until later when reviewing my photos where I came across this in one of my photos...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TaLRNhmGzvc/WZjTI_UMiRI/AAAAAAABSCg/LJa_eLvhLO4xc5POcjiCsSM0ZOnXdgP-QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_6257_screen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1202" height="248" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TaLRNhmGzvc/WZjTI_UMiRI/AAAAAAABSCg/LJa_eLvhLO4xc5POcjiCsSM0ZOnXdgP-QCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_6257_screen.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Yeah, I like X-Files too, but this photo had me scratching my head. Why? Well let me explain. I took 3 shots of the same thing -- in a row. My lens/sensor wasn't dirty; if it were an airliner, it would show up in the other shots; instead, it appears out of nowhere. Each shot was less than a second from the next. It just so happened THIS shot revealed this. So what did I do? I contacted MUFON and Lon Strickler. Here is the E-mail I sent to MUFON on July 29th and it's still being substantiated by them. This photo here is zoomed in to its fullest (from the original raw photo on my camera).</div><br />MUFON Sighting Report (85470): 7/29/2017<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>Hello,</i><i>&nbsp;</i></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>I live in Chicago. I don’t know if there were any reports of UFOs over or near Chicago on Saturday, July 22, 2017, but I was out on the Chicago River (at the crook of the N/S branches) before sunset and I captured something in one of my photos. I’ve never reported anything like this before but I am curious to know if there might’ve been others that witnessed something in the skies over Chicago around 17:40 CDT. I am attaching the photos to this so you can see that near the building in the middle (300 N. LaSalle) near Trump Tower, there is a black object there that I can’t describe. I didn’t notice it until I reviewed my photos later. I usually take multiple shots in a row and in the previous two, it’s not there. Unfortunately this object is in the last burst shot (for 1/400sec). It’s not a dirty lens/sensor, because I would’ve seen that in the previous shot. Upon zooming in the photo, it doesn't look like a jet, helicopter or even a dirigible; it's nothing identifiable. It has a cone shaped top and bottom. Please can you help me identify this object? After I reviewed my photos and saw this, I was at a loss of words. I didn't notice this outside of the photos, just after I reviewed my photos. The “object” doesn’t behave or look like a normal airplane or drone I know of. There is no evidence of the object in the other photos. If it were an airplane or drone, you’d see it appear from behind the other buildings in the other photos. Instead it appears out of nowhere. I submitted a case to MUFON a week after the photos but it’s not been substantiated yet.</i>&nbsp;</div></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>I attached the two photos; however, here is a screen shot of the one photo zoomed in. The 2 photos are converted to JPG from the original Raw files of my camera (which I have). &nbsp;PLEASE let me know if you get the two photos ok? I would like to remain anonymous if you investigate or share my story.</i></div></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>Thank you,<br />Eric.</i></blockquote><i><br /></i><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>This was the e-mail I sent to MUFON. So what happened after I submitted the case? I was led to MUFON's website where I started reading these:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mufon.com/ufo-news/mothaman-type-creature-reported-over-chicago">MOTHMAN-TYPE CREATURE REPORTED OVER CHICAGO</a></i></div><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>"...In Case 83325, the witness was out on Lake Michigan with her husband and two other couples celebrating a friend’s birthday.</i>&nbsp;</div></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>“We were about two miles out on the lake, just off of Montrose at about 10 p.m.,” the witness stated. “We were enjoying ourselves when I happen to look up and saw what looked like a giant bat, and not like a fox bat (which I looked up and saw was the biggest bat). This bat was as tall as my husband, who is 6-foot, 4-inches, or even bigger.”</i></div><i></i><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><i>The witness described the creature.</i>&nbsp;</i></div><i></i></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>“It was solid black with eyes that seemed to reflect the moonlight. This bat was blacker than the surrounding night sky and was perfectly silhouetted against the moonlit sky. This bat circled the boat three times in complete silence before heading off towards Montrose. It quickly blended into the night sky and was gone in seconds.”</i></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>And this from a woman jogger and her dog at <a href="http://www.phantomsandmonsters.com/2017/04/new-mothman-like-encounter-in-chicago.html">Oz Park</a>, Lincoln Park...<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>As we rounded the sidewalk to head south with the garden to my left, I heard what could only be described as the flapping of wings. I really didn’t give it a second thought as I assumed it would be some passing Canadian Geese that I’ve seen in the park recently. As we came toward the clearing where you would find the Baseball fields, something caught my eye and what I saw still scares the crap out of me. I saw a large man, probably 7 feet or taller standing on the ground. It was solid black, but what really stood out were the large, and I do mean large pair of wings that were folded behind him. These wings stood taller than the man by at least a foot and a half and jutted out of his back. I could not see it’s face as it had its face turned away from me and probably didn’t notice me at first. It finally turned and noticed me and I saw the bright, ruby red eyes that appeared to glow from within. It was at this time that it turned and faced me and I got to see what it really looked like</i>&nbsp;</div></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>So as I started reading the articles from MUFON's website, the "strange heavy feeling in the air" started to make sense. Bear in mind, that starting on July 29th, I found out all the other stuff so how I felt in May seems to correlate with the strange sightings here.</i></div></blockquote><br /><b>Wake up number 47!&nbsp;</b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Ok, I'm not a doomsayer but Chicago area residents have reported at least 20 sightings of this mothman creature since April. I don't expect anyone to even pay attention to this, but it's my wall and my timeline. The last sighting of this creature was on August 9 near LSD and Schiller. Sometimes you ask yourself, "what does it all mean?" I think it's human nature to try and solve mysterious cryptids. I don't expect anyone to react to this (let alone even read it) but I've had a very "bad" feeling since May before even learning about this stuff. I know of one friend I told this to and it was just before the Manchester terrorist attack in England. I thought maybe that was it but the feeling persisted beyond that. Then, I photograph what appears to be a UFO a couple weekends ago. One other known place in American history experienced the same type of phenomena; UFOs, Men in Black, Grinning man, and of course, Mothman. It ended in catastrophe with the collapse of a bridge. Point Pleasant W.Va. Since 1966, there have been multiple sightings of this creature like at Chernobyl, 9/11, Freiburg Germany, and even the I-35 bridge collapse in Minnesota. none of these events had a good outcoming.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">You see these things, you wonder, and you try to understand its meanings. WHY? We have an Air Show next week which coincides with an Eclipse. There was also a solar eclipse on November 12, 1966. You start thinking about things, and as humans, we shrug it off. "Nah, it'll be ok." Will it? I have learned over the years to listen to my "gut." And when I started feeling a "strange heaviness" in the air in May, it bothered me to the point it was upsetting me, trying to shirk it off as just nothing. However, more and more now, I'm starting to wonder what this all means with recent events. I didn't hear about the creature sightings until AFTER I filed a case with MUFON on 7/29 regarding my UFO photo and it was the first time I made a connection to how I started feeling in May. So, ya, just sayin and I don't expect anyone to understand. Some of you know about these "strange feelings and dreams" I get. So, some of you might understand.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mothman">Wikipedia</a>: <i>"On November 12, 1966, five men who were digging a grave at a cemetery near Clendenin, West Virginia, claimed to see a man-like figure fly low from the trees over their heads. This is often identified as the first known sighting of what became known as the Mothman.</i></div><i><br /></i><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Shortly thereafter, on November 15, 1966, two young couples from Point Pleasant, Roger and Linda Scarberry and Steve and Mary Mallette, told police they saw a large black creature whose eyes "glowed red" when the car headlights picked it up. They described it as a "large flying man with ten-foot wings", following their car while they were driving in an area outside of town known as "the TNT area", the site of a former World War II munitions plant."</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">And, yeah, I noted the dates here too so I'm a little more creeped out. I wrote about this thing in my stories once and it was a foreboding messenger of a coming cataclysm where evil rules and the sun was dispelled -- literally. That realm was Arden; albeit, a fantastical realm, but the "winged prophet" or mothman makes an appearance before the coming "black sleep," a period of that realm's darkness and where life was oppressed by evil and ruled by the night. The good news there is that life does prevail in the end but at a cost. Ourias the Warrior of Sri conquers the darkness and meets the Faceless God on an Altar, referred to as the Concordant Summit.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The day in the story which the creature first appears is Nissan 1 or September 1st (or New Year's Day by the elves of Arden -- when the Virgin is at maximum and aligns with Exiv). I wrote this back in the Summer of 2004 and I think it probably had to do with the fascination of the movie with Richard Gere in it. Who knows though? In the story, the only way this creature is appeased by a lock of red hair from a Lady. Her vanity keeps the creature in the realm and because of her vanity, the creature puts a curse on her and on the realm. Just a story here but it's what I wrote. In that same story, the sun "dies" on October 31, and it begins the dark, evil time. In the mean time, the Lady is pregnant with Ourias, the one who will restore Arden to its grandeur. Bear in mind as well but the realm fictionally exists between Genesis 1:1, 2. The Gap.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">"The creature first came upon her on September 1st, the first day of the first month (that is, Níssan 1), the day she conceived the two children of King Iórdh III. The creature came down from the Celeste from the memory of Áish, the Red Elfin-Warrior of Casóimhar. “Terror from the skies, terror from the air, terror from this Arden will haunt this world and all who exist in it. Terror of the Wraiths will bring Black Sleep to the dwellers of this world,” the Winged Prophet whispered and spoke as a chant to the Lady in her ear. “Two children, one from the herb and one who will seal the realm and gates of the heavenly places, so that all who dwell in this world will not despair or fail.” The Winged Creature unfolded his wings to reveal a sudden doom to the Lady in her dreams. “You will see the Rock of Beauty in time. I will meet you there in that day, when it is built. It will stand against the terror from the skies, the terror of the air, and the terror of Black Sleep in this Arden. The Terror of the Wraiths will fear the fire that falls on the Beautiful Rock.”</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The Lady was full of fear, seeing the blackness of the creature, his staring red eyes and the images under his wings. Immediately she blinked her eyes out of meditation, and focused upon a bleak, redness swelling around the black creature. She was awakened and quickened. “What realm is yours, vile thing, that you come to me as I meditate out of this realm?” The Lady gasped. “You fill me full of fear and distress. What do you desire from me? Do you desire my children, which I have conceived on this day?"</div><br />......<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The creature came upon her, forcing her back onto her bed. Her chamber was filled with the eerie, red glow from the creature. “Give me a lock of your red hair, Lady.” He urged her, looking deeply into her eyes. “I will not harm or appear to you again. Give me a lock of your red hair that I may have safe passage to Elliós, which is of the Celeste.” He whispered and spoke at once. “Darkness is nigh.”"</div><br /><i>You know what? It's probably nothing...</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">...however I can't help to wonder and pray about it. I can't also stop thinking about the line from the movie Mothman too: "Whatever brought you there, brought you there to die." Then, I look at the dates again. Man! November 15. So, to be honest, I'm a bit creeped out. I don't expect anyone to understand either. I know of maybe one or two people whom can relate. I've never gone wrong with my gut feelings...</div><br /><i>Some interesting links:</i><br />• <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2c3sFh7Rbs">Episode #004 | Chicago Mothman | Mythic Radio, paranormal, unexplained (made with Spreaker)</a><br />•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsuNFIiHj1s&amp;t=1162s">Episode #005 - The Mothman | paranormal, unexplained, podcast (made with Spreaker)</a><br /><br /><i>My stories:</i><br />• <a href="http://arden.shekinya.net/pliagge/airramgruisadhi.html">Omen of the Winged Prophet</a><br />• <a href="http://arden.shekinya.net/pliagge/twins.html">The Birth of Twins</a><br /><br /><i>Latest Encounter:</i><br />• <a href="http://www.phantomsandmonsters.com/2017/08/winged-humanoid-confronts-shocked.html?m=1">Winged Humanoid Confronts Shocked Chicago Witnesses</a><br /><br />• Interactive <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1X7P3o6YD7IBez4uBx4-Gghyk0Fs&amp;ll=41.77899280000001%2C-87.72308350000003&amp;z=11">Google Map</a> of Mothman. Number 25 was a couple blocks from my apartment!<br /><br /><iframe height="480" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1X7P3o6YD7IBez4uBx4-Gghyk0Fs" width="640"></iframe> <br /><br /><b>"Whatever brought you there, brought you there to die."</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rv7rzYNpJw0/WcanUmykCqI/AAAAAAABTBM/dz804nJHxoI8xSqICc-rqq_4SmCvpvqLQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_7923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rv7rzYNpJw0/WcanUmykCqI/AAAAAAABTBM/dz804nJHxoI8xSqICc-rqq_4SmCvpvqLQCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_7923.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><span style="text-align: justify;">The day to really be concerned about I guess is the Wednesday August 23, and the possibility of a "Black Sky Event." According to EIS council's website, there is going to be an </span><a href="http://www.eiscouncil.com/EarthEx" style="text-align: justify;">exercise</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> that day.</span><br /><br /><i>August 23: Emergency All-sector Response Transnational Hazard Exercise.</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Remember the mass power outage in August 2003? Our government is rather underhanded and when I see FEMA attached to things like that, it's not good. Whatever this "exercise" entails, Black Sky events are listed on that same website: "events to bring society to its knees." This indeed very well may be a conspiracy theory but this somehow sums up that foreboding feeling I've had ALL summer long. With this information, on top of how I've been feeling AND these weird Mothman sightings all over the city, it's hard not to feel something bad is going to happen here. Sorry if this scares anyone but I just had to get this off my chest. So, bottom line ya maybe it's overreacting but maybe it's not. I am not going to the air show this weekend. Instead gonna gas up the car, do some shopping, and take some money out. I put this out there. Read, ignore, scoff, whatever. Bottom line is we're not told everything.. <i>We have hope in Jesus Christ, the sacrifice for our sin and His glorious resurrection! He asks us to believe Him.</i><br /><br />Remember this as well. The media and world is really hyping up the <a href="http://abc7chicago.com/weather/how-to-safely-watch-the-august-solar-eclipse/2255355/">American Solar Eclipse</a> on Monday. 1918 was the last time the US had one. So while out viewing it, let's remember to show a little humility and reverence for this. Too many times we don't consider how big things really are. We forget. So I'm just saying let's have a little respect for the sign but also have fun. Ok? I plan on taking some pictures, fitting my camera with a nice ND Filter to block out the rays of the sun. Just remember to be kind to others.<br /><br />Chicago: "The eclipse begins at 11:54 a.m., reaching a maximum at 1:19 p.m. and ends at 2:42 p.m."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tzo2-FKfTUM/WaNkls6zVMI/AAAAAAABSXE/I0NGuxvbOLUTcHcdpMXWU_nxsNSIhcbbwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_8573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tzo2-FKfTUM/WaNkls6zVMI/AAAAAAABSXE/I0NGuxvbOLUTcHcdpMXWU_nxsNSIhcbbwCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_8573.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Total Eclipse of the Mart (added later)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Monday, August 21, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Merchandise Mart</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So if I were to conclude this blog, I guess it all sums up to being extra vigilant. I don't know what the next week'll bring here. I just pray that I'm worthy to face the Lord in whatever time is mine to face Him...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">2 Timothy 2:19-24. This is what I reflected on today (with all the hype being spread with the Charlottesville incident):</div><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;"><i>Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”&nbsp;</i></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;"><i>In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.&nbsp;</i></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;"><i>Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.</i></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0a0t2TVG5zw/WaNlP0zl2iI/AAAAAAABSXM/ed3toICjBGcLVUFOHIotvbzzgmNvh0O6wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_9142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0a0t2TVG5zw/WaNlP0zl2iI/AAAAAAABSXM/ed3toICjBGcLVUFOHIotvbzzgmNvh0O6wCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_9142.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Forgotten</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thursday, August 24, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Chicago Spire</span></div></div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RicChatham1013"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPP6SRT8mfY/URSDP7VGspI/AAAAAAAALO4/tkmLnmNM8s4/s1600/facebook-icon-25px.gif" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://plus.google.com/+EricChatham/"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eosiN9hkL1g/UwA97lziHzI/AAAAAAAAc_w/8mSg7Jb73LY/s1600/gplus-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://foursquare.com/user/29100101"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZmjRClf0XA/URSDWIlhFFI/AAAAAAAALPA/sDAblL-jdTc/s1600/foursquare-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ericrchatham"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LwcLDEwkQk/URSDdp6ss-I/AAAAAAAALPI/-aLb0I_PiFE/s1600/linked-icon-25px.gif" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.shekinya.net/"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7C2KjSQbMI/URSDkVeoieI/AAAAAAAALPQ/7BUwkwqwWII/s1600/shekinya-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/anelfinphile"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-euhpUUCymoM/URSDp6hhrqI/AAAAAAAALPY/FGYa3-Ml9AU/s1600/you-tube-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.sports-tracker.com/#/view_profile/echatham1013"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv3iS_Rf2Qc/URSIbJOWvYI/AAAAAAAALQQ/sljM9cUtrgs/s1600/sports-tracker-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.meetup.com/VentureAround/"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZcaiMdS57A/UXHteVWaJPI/AAAAAAAAOkA/xhbVgYpnHMI/s1600/meetupicon.png" /></a></td> </tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;;">Connect to me elsewhere at your own risk.</span></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;;">FOUNDATIONAL BLOGS</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: small;"><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-life-starts-at-water-tower-in-chicago.html">My Life starts at the Chicago Water Tower!</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/mark-0000-last-0-is-for-time-parameter.html">Mark 0, 0, 0, 0. The last 0 is for the time parameter</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/10/keeping-train-of-thought-and-keeping-on.html">Keeping a train of thought and keeping on track.</a></span> Eric Chathamhttps://plus.google.com/103180783527067419905noreply@blogger.com1Chicago, IL 60625, USA41.9711068 -87.70248170000002141.947496300000005 -87.74282220000002 41.9947173 -87.662141200000022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877632834855922254.post-36240479265766933152017-03-12T15:34:00.000-05:002017-11-14T20:44:09.840-06:00Head in the Clouds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>2017 The Destination is There.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9u2RdGlM9HA/WMTkhJBpyOI/AAAAAAABMDM/REimOjBP65grSjTa4CLRHF2RwFfk_mvXwCPcB/s1600/IMG_20170219_174303_226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9u2RdGlM9HA/WMTkhJBpyOI/AAAAAAABMDM/REimOjBP65grSjTa4CLRHF2RwFfk_mvXwCPcB/s640/IMG_20170219_174303_226.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mystical Pond</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Darien IL</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">February 18, 2017</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>To Serenade A Rainbow by PM Dawn.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Rock the Shamrock.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>Hello everyone! Welcome to a new month. </i>The destination is there. I hope you all are enjoying the new year. So far, the new year has started off rather well, but there is still plenty to accomplish by the end of it all. I have been going back to my goals for this year and looking at what I've been doing to keep those goals moving along. February was a busy month and a lot of the "routine" things I do for fun in February/March changed. I normally go the the Chicago Auto Show, Chiditarod and the River Dyeing. I've done these the last four years. I think this year it was time to take a break from those. I don't have to do this every year. I'm hoping to achieve some life-changing goals for this year, like owning a home, traveling outside the US, and career! After all, the name of this blog is <b><i>"Eric Failing Deletions,"</i></b> which as some of you might have figured out by now is an <u>anagram</u> for <i><b>"Life Altering Decision!"&nbsp;</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EZ42riODuTA/WMRhB9cAK0I/AAAAAAABL_0/0gY5QmzM57kt4M41jLi99HS5eEzn5jNWQCLcB/s1600/DSC_1087bcbf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EZ42riODuTA/WMRhB9cAK0I/AAAAAAABL_0/0gY5QmzM57kt4M41jLi99HS5eEzn5jNWQCLcB/s400/DSC_1087bcbf.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago Auto Show</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">McCormick Place</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">February 12, 2017</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This year has started out with a lot of challenges, a lot of late hours and weekend warrior work for my job, which actually I am NOT complaining about. It's a great feeling to make something work though! March was that month. So, a lot of that tough after hour weekend warrior work has paid off, especially in March. In March 2 of my friends started NEW JOBS! This is probably the greatest news I've seen from my friends! Getting or starting a new job supersedes any Kid photo, Spouse/SO photo, Pet photo or whatever. I have another friend who is going to an interview soon, so I'm hoping THREE friends start new jobs this month. I can truly relate with friends trying to find work and how tough it really it is! I've been there and I truly empathize with people that WORK HARD to earn respect. Getting a job is the best feeling in the world. You have a great feeling of worth and dignity! I also talked my friend Dena in Cleveland too, and I'm really hoping for her too as she has struggled forever with career choices. I hope this year is good to her too! She DESERVES a new change in her life!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ddPOshon37E/WMRgkuI8IaI/AAAAAAABL_w/k7voCzERffgcLlDtth7-o07LIp9AFw3JQCLcB/s1600/DSC_2047_lrip-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ddPOshon37E/WMRgkuI8IaI/AAAAAAABL_w/k7voCzERffgcLlDtth7-o07LIp9AFw3JQCLcB/s400/DSC_2047_lrip-w.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chiditarod</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wolcott and Hubbard</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">March 4, 2017</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This month was a very tough month as I stated. I had been working on a hybrid project at work and finally this month that hard work paid off. &nbsp;You might be wondering about the headline for this section, "To Serenade A Rainbow by PM Dawn." Not only was the first-ever CD album of mine to own, it was also the name of my project at work! Our office was upgrading its environment to the Cloud, Azure and Office 365! We made it to to the cloud ala #theflyingjalopy! This one is a "Mad Max Beyond Thunder Dome" reference lol.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Things are looking a little brighter this year on the financial horizon as well! I paid my car off, renewed my AAA membership (and approved for AAA Credit Card). I am also close to paying off one off my student loans. Next destination will be owning my first home! I also had some good news with health and doctors this month as well. &nbsp;As most of you know, I suffer from an Autoimmune Disease and I've faced many challenges with overcoming the worst of it. I wish there were a cure for this, but like other incurable diseases, we have to learn to be our own coach. &nbsp;This means diet, exercise, mental state of mind, and other environmental variables.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5tksuEFxR-c/WMRXhoxK7pI/AAAAAAABL_U/xVJknAPrz2MuP6H7pGpzrh3ANIf8rqdkwCLcB/s1600/DSC_3992_lrip-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5tksuEFxR-c/WMRXhoxK7pI/AAAAAAABL_U/xVJknAPrz2MuP6H7pGpzrh3ANIf8rqdkwCLcB/s400/DSC_3992_lrip-w.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago River Dyeing</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Streeterville, Chicago IL</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">March 11, 2017</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I'm also thankful that I have friends and family (though a lot of them distant, including my folks) that support me and my decisions. This month, I planned a trip to visit my folks for my Mom's birthday! The PTO has been approved! The last time I saw my folks was for Thanksgiving. I didn't see them Christmas -- I went on a date here in Chicago in Chinatown. Each passing day, I love them more and more and I try to call them each weekend. I regularly text my Mom! Never take granted your parents! Mine live in Cleveland and they're not around the corner, so it will be a tremendous blessing to see them again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">• 2017 Goal: Find a new home! Yep, as much as I like my neighborhood (Albany Park), the apartment I live in has several faults, including kids that don't care about other neighbors in the building. 401k. Pre-Approval on mortgage.</span></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Another great thing I plan on doing soon with my DynDNS and DuoCircle renewal is upgrade to Office 365 Azure at home! I've had my computer network running since 2008 with Active Directory, ESXi, Exchange Server, my own website, and other goodies ala <i>Oakbrook 17-102</i>. With all the efforts done at work, I think it's time to do the upgrade at home too. Ever since I started my home network, it's been a basic sandbox for testing things at work. Actually, by having the home sandbox, I've used it for projects at work and it's really helped me do my job better! With my Microsoft account, I did manage to sign up for Azure last year. I just haven't added anything to it. So, hopefully when I renew my DynDNS and DuoCircle subscriptions, I'll add Azure. With that, I hope my goal is to setup a backup server in the Cloud for backing up to. My backups at home don't go off site. It will also be cool to setup AD Connect and sync my Active Directory to the Cloud!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f19q_FuWazs/WMRcEc1lerI/AAAAAAABL_k/7tsgJ_W3Lik9n-cFxwJAKYSboqdJ5rFLACLcB/s1600/viadraco.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f19q_FuWazs/WMRcEc1lerI/AAAAAAABL_k/7tsgJ_W3Lik9n-cFxwJAKYSboqdJ5rFLACLcB/s400/viadraco.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Room information for my Apartment</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Via Draco Argenteus</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.shekinya.net/">Shekinya.net</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">So, this year I'm hoping to be pre-approved for a mortgage so I can buy my own home! The destination is there! I'm hoping that very soon, I'll pay off one of my student loans and some (very little debt). If there is one thing I remember the most is the year 2007 when I worked myself to death with THREE jobs, while going to school, AND PAYING MY OWN BILLS! I truly empathize with people that work very hard to make a living in life, and yes, even those Single Moms that still manage to find time to take their kids to soccer practice. We're not meant to coast by with ease! This goes back to the 2 friends this year that got jobs!!! Anyone who gets a job deserves the utmost praise and attention! Those that think getting a boyfriend/girlfriend, engaged, married, having a baby or whatever is! Not in my mind! When you get a job, it's the greatest achievement done by anyone. You have a feeling of self-respect, dignity, and worth! You feel that even more when you get that first paycheck! People have marriages, engagements, kids everyday, but when you get a job, it's a whole different kind of world! In a world of unemployment, lack of jobs, and people struggling to get by, getting a job changes all that! I didn't come into this world with rich parents! My brothers and I had to earn that respect, earn that self-respect and we had tough love. <i><b>Generation X all the way!</b></i> So, when I look at the kids now (even my folks have remarked on the upbringing of Millennials now), it's entirely different kind of world. My lease is up in August. I just hope and pray I have different living arrangements by then. I'll tell you that it's not been easy getting on the train each night worrying if my building is going to be quiet. I go to bed at night. My building USED to be quiet when I moved here in January 2014. It's time to own a home! Ever since I moved back to first shift, I get up at 7am now and go to bed by 10pm. I shouldn't have to feel guilty about that. I've watched people in my building; we all have jobs to go to!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZA-e3_44J9A/WMRnBzSHzqI/AAAAAAABMAI/QahZFL097zY8P7hRQPgLTa3QvKz2nR8nQCLcB/s1600/Avebury.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZA-e3_44J9A/WMRnBzSHzqI/AAAAAAABMAI/QahZFL097zY8P7hRQPgLTa3QvKz2nR8nQCLcB/s640/Avebury.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Avebury, England</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A place I hope to see!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I did not take this <a href="http://www.bugbog.com/gallery/england_pictures/avebury-pictures/">picture</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 13, 2017???</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Silent Running by Mike and the Mechanics</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>Skype Hybridization Project at Velocity</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Another thing I'm trying to do this year is travel to the United Kingdom hopefully around my birthday this year. <i>My birthday also falls on Friday the 13th this year, lol!</i> Getting a US Passport for the first time is something I've never done and I didn't know you could get one without travelling. The destination is there! My friend Chris Johnson is from England and he's been a tremendous help to me planning my UK trip. I told him I've never been outside the US more than a day lol. Back when my family camped every weekend with the Maple Heights Camper's Club (Maple Heights OH), we went to some interesting placed to camp. I'm not sure that club is around anymore, but we did a lot of camping with my family when I was a kid. One of those camping excursions took us to New York near Buffalo. My Dad drove us into Canada that day to Niagara Falls. We spent the evening there, BUT we were there only for an hour or so ha! So, that sums up my travel outside the United States.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Chris has been helping plan places to see in England like the "Cliffs of Dover," Stonehenge, London, Nottingham (Sherwood Forest), etc. I have a lot of family history in the United Kingdom and Ireland. So, when it came down to planning trips, the UK stood out the most. I'd love to visit China next! No, not just because of my weakness with Asian women lol! It just looks like a very interesting place to visit and experience the culture! So, UK is the destination! Nottingham is where the Chathams came from in the early 1900s, when the name was Cheetham. Before that it was Inverness, Scotland when the name was MacCeattannach (Clan Chattan). Ireland predominates my Mom's side, so that would be another location to visit especially Co. Dublin, where my Mom's family hails from.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x5ajeC5sKmY/WMRpjCEioqI/AAAAAAABMAU/NE2ww0pRj0cILHgX8GBBIEzpmXbFyrqpQCLcB/s1600/DSC_2005_lre-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x5ajeC5sKmY/WMRpjCEioqI/AAAAAAABMAU/NE2ww0pRj0cILHgX8GBBIEzpmXbFyrqpQCLcB/s640/DSC_2005_lre-w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My favorite Winter Constellation, Orion.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Front stoop of my apartment building with Chicago light pollution</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Albany Park, Chicago IL</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">March 10, 2017</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>I told Chris</i> that I'd love to visit Avebury in England too. He asked me why. I admitted to him that it was due to a <i><b>childhood dream!</b></i> When I was a kid in the early 80s when Nickelodeon first aired, at the birth of Cable TV, there was a series that aired called "The Third Eye." It aired before "You Can't Do That On Television." If you're Gen X like me, then you might remember when Nickelodeon first aired, it shared network space with the A&amp;E channel! Then, Nickelodeon had its own channel later. In the "Third Eye" sci/fi show, there was a series called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSIpkxMkT0M">Children of the Stones</a>! Watching that as a kid, I didn't understand it but I was fascinated by it because the town of Avebury, England was used in the plot. This is also where my love of stargazing began (not just with my Uncle) but they featured the Big Dipper as part of the plot in this series. Since that time, I always wanted to visit that town they used in the series. The stone circle supposedly sits on a "ley line," shared with the Pyramids of Giza.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"></span></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">• 2017 Goal: "Happy Now? Happy Later?" Happy Now! Todd, if you're reading this, you remember when you said this to me 10 years ago, and I said Happy Later? I'm making it a goal in 2017. I still don't know to this day why you asked me this, but it has made me think about my own happiness lately.</span></i></blockquote><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">This month, I started the process for filling out form "DS 11" for a US Passport. This is the first time I've done this, and I should've done it earlier had I known I could have a passport without travel plans. Nonetheless, I'll finally get that done. I visited AAA on Michigan Avenue on a lunch break to get my photos done. When I visit my folks, I'll get my birth certificate and by then, I'll be able to go to the post office and submit my application! This is really exciting, and the bonus? I was approved for an AAA Credit Card which I can use OUTSIDE THE US internationally!!! This will definitely help me plan my trip better and I'm looking at trip pricing to the UK. Chris has told me to fly into Manchester instead of Heathrow London to help save money. And, if I'm planning my trip, he recommended around my birthday in October. Fares will be cheaper!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nd62k2MOqag/WMRtodVEagI/AAAAAAABMAk/IjpRgdbq1VAyr9ifBceqUhqy8ndQTY8yACLcB/s1600/DSC_7990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nd62k2MOqag/WMRtodVEagI/AAAAAAABMAk/IjpRgdbq1VAyr9ifBceqUhqy8ndQTY8yACLcB/s640/DSC_7990.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">VelocityEHS IT Family (Merchandise Mart)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Employee Appreciation Day</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">March 3, 2017</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Striking Matches by Squeeze.&nbsp;</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Striking matches with explosives so near...</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Ok by now you're probably reading this and asking why the song titles, lol? I have my job to thank for this. &nbsp;Our work projects and meetings are done by song title sand album names. As I mentioned, the beginning of this year was very busy with work and projects. It's good to know that this month we've had some success! "Silent Running by Mike and the Mechanics" was specifically chosen for my Skype for Business hybrid project. If you're a dork, you'll get the meaning ha! Last year, I joined the team of VelocityEHS and it's been a great experience. The destination is there! Sometimes, a job just chooses you; and, you don't. This was Velocity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">• 2017 Goal: I want love and it's out there. Love and acceptance have been areas of my life I've battled with.</span></i></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This year started off great with them and it's still going well! It is a great feeling to complete projects with success and learn later you are eligible for a pay raise and some of the bonus from the previous year. I wasn't expecting anything like this for the first year of employment, let alone the first couple months! When I discovered how important I was to the team, it was a joyful, tearful moment. &nbsp;Tearful moment? Well, I finally understood what that meant on Employee Appreciation Day at the Shamrock Club! After work that day, our team had drinks there and had a great night together. I learned that night how valuable I was on the team from my other teammates. I also learned that night how my "<i>drink to drunk ratio</i>" has decreased. Losing weight, I get drunk easier lol. In fact, something good came out of that night. The last time I was actually drunk was my 40th birthday. I don't drink like this often, but that night something happened.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Tonia's last picture in my wallet finally went up in flames! The destination is there! Thank you, Sarah!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Mind you, in an age before digital photography spun-off, I have no pictures of her on my computer!&nbsp;<span style="text-align: justify;">Backstory on love: In 2001, just after September 11th, I fell in love with a woman. Her name was Tonia. We met, planned on an exciting future together. She had kids from a previous marriage; I was ok with that. However, in that relationship, I wanted to have my own as well. You don't always understand things in your life, and this was the first time I fell head over heels for a woman; the first time I was so lost and deeply in love! It ended. In 2002, I learned something out of that which broke my heart. She was not able to have children anymore. She never shared this with me while we were in the relationship. It hit me hard! For the next 15 years, I built walls up around my heart after that. We broke it off completely by 2003. In that short of time, I was hurt. I have written many fantasy stories. "She" was written about in one of those stories [</span><a href="http://arden.shekinya.net/pliagge/twins.html" style="text-align: justify;">The Birth of Twins</a><span style="text-align: justify;">]. Well, that night, while in a "weakened" state, her picture went up in </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNp8naS8fk8" style="text-align: justify;">Flames</a><span style="text-align: justify;">! For the longest time, I had been meaning to burn it, but just couldn't.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>"Oooh I'm striking matches it's morning again</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I look in the mirror I still look the same</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I'm striking matches it's morning again</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I look in the mirror I go up in flames</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Striking matches getting a flame on the stove</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>There's some of her in the teeth of my comb</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Dirty clothes piled up on the bathroom floor</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>She's silently sleeping, I half close the door</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I see her beauty laying on my bed</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I'm warm from within me with what she has said</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Her love is my balloon, I won't let it down</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>For ever and ever I'll always be proud."</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Striking Matches by Squeeze</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Babylon and On</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">That song was specifically chosen for this event before I joined Velocity IT; however, I have Velocity IT to thank for helping me out of this pit! The only thing I really remember from that night is pulling that picture from wallet and showing it to my teammate.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">She grabbed it from me and she said, "I'll be right back." I had no idea she was going to go outside the pub to light it on fire! She came back in and said, "...I took care of it."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"What do you mean?" I said.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">"She's gone. It's time for you to move on. You can't do this to yourself anymore." She stated this in the sincerest and gentlest way. Her picture was finally was gone...up in flames. At the moment when I was my weakest, I was my strongest. It was a tearful moment. I can't believe she was finally gone after all those years! It took help for this. So, when I say "tearful moment," this is it. Up in smoke. Recently, I've learned much from this group and I can't thank Chris Johnson enough for leading my path into Velocity last year. The destination is there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>• 2917 Goal: Stop being snubbed or ignored! You may think this is a selfish goal, but really it isn't. I never stand out and I'm often brushed aside, ignored and forgotten. &nbsp;Far too often in my life, this has been a serious problem, and I never do anything about it. &nbsp;Some people in my life get FAR too much praise, attention and adoration than they actually deserve, including cohorts, friends and family. So, meekly stand out.</i></span></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czRs9znLeNE/WMR7naN3sCI/AAAAAAABMA4/EmzKBapWZmoeDDgs2J2NW1CKILlA6zrzwCLcB/s1600/general1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czRs9znLeNE/WMR7naN3sCI/AAAAAAABMA4/EmzKBapWZmoeDDgs2J2NW1CKILlA6zrzwCLcB/s400/general1.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I woke up Saturday morning to this!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Velocity Slack</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">March 11, 2017</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>Hard work pays off!</i> This month, I'm also wrapping an intense project involving Exchange/Skype Hybridization at work. This was one of my projects for 2017 at Velocity. There is still a lot to test and a lot to expand on; it's only the beginning but the destination is there. It was nice to get some attention from the teammate I was working on the project with. Admittedly, I woke up in the morning and saw this in one of the the slack channels we use for work. Going back to that goal about being "snubbed or ignored," it's not a selfish goal. It's good to "meekly stand out." Speaking of which, I recently e-mailed my former boss Sergey Galchenko from Broadvox and told him all the good news with the new job, telling him that my new manager reminds me of the good in you, and that the new job has brought back so many fond memories of working at Broadvox.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GMUgHjxyGOI/WMSJrOeG7VI/AAAAAAABMBs/V3-43D6A9-INGnN-GQttxUMhY_9KoOAgQCLcB/s1600/DSC_7574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GMUgHjxyGOI/WMSJrOeG7VI/AAAAAAABMBs/V3-43D6A9-INGnN-GQttxUMhY_9KoOAgQCLcB/s640/DSC_7574.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kimball Station (Kimball/Lawrence) 07:47</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mornings, going to work on the Brown Line</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The destination is Merchandise Mart</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Tubthumping by Chumbawamba.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Password Resetting at home</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The month of February and March had me doing a lot of "resetting." What I mean by this is not only due to my "lost phone" at Kimball at the beginning of the year, but in life. I've been striving to keep positive in my life. Might I also add, but I think I finally figured out the trains in the morning for work. If I get on the 07:47 departing train at Kimball, I make it to work with no "bumps" or "snags" in my commute. My phone was never recovered here either after I lost it running to the train one morning. I just felt like that needed to be stated ha, but back on topic of resetting. Up til now, not only have I been resetting all my passwords (since my phone had a copy of my KeePass pwd file on it), I've been doing this in my life too with people and situations. The destination is there. Unfortunately, I've learned that my personality type has me absorb a lot (being an INFJ). I've looked at several of the greatest friendships I have are still in Cleveland. I've lived in Chicago for some time now and I have not met anyone yet that truly lives up to my "Cleveland friends." NEVER take your folks or your friends for granted! I've learned this over the course of my time living in Chicago -- not only in 1994, but when I moved back here! I celebrate those friendships, the friends that inspire, the friends that I hold dear, the friends I worry about when I go to bed at night (yes, this happens). The friends I think about when I wake up! Never take your friends for granted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>• 2017 Goal: If there is one thing Chicago has taught me is resilience and a certain kind of stubbornness. So, continuing on to not be a door mat and have a little dignity is not a bad thing either. Thank you, Karen Sobolewski for always being supportive of my decisions and pointing me in a self-respectful lifestyle!</i></span></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wnw4zJfrfWw/WMR_Ru6gJgI/AAAAAAABMBI/u9pmpcmUM58sbG6rXi6ZecJxrTU6M7spACLcB/s1600/DSC_7518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wnw4zJfrfWw/WMR_Ru6gJgI/AAAAAAABMBI/u9pmpcmUM58sbG6rXi6ZecJxrTU6M7spACLcB/s640/DSC_7518.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Michigan Avenue</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mag Mile, Chicago IL</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">February 11, 2017</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Chicago has taught me a lot about resilience. Actually, my favorite structure in Chicago is the Water Tower at Michigan Avenue and Pearson. In fact, Karen Sobolewski's name is attributed to this 2017 goal. If there is one friendship I hold dear, it's hers. We crossed paths at Broadvox in Cleveland in 2008, almost 1 decade of friendship and she's been an inspiration to my lifestyle here in Chicago. "Stop letting people walk over you. Have a little respect for yourself." I remember her telling me that one year. At first, it hurt, but when I moved back to Chicago, it made sense! Thank you, Karen. The most recent time I thought about this was recently with noisy neighbors. I have had enough knocking on a neighbor's door to turn off the bass notes at midnight. "Show a little self respect." I've done enough calling the landlord about it. So, the next step was calling the police. At first I felt guilty about it (taking the police from real issues like actual crime and not mitigating noisy neighbors), but I stopped and thought. I pay rent here too. If I'm not getting what I pay for, and I'm unhappy, I need to do something about it. Yeah. Sounds mean, you think? It's not. "Stop letting people walk over you." I don't put up with crap anymore. I'm getting too old for it. I'm a nice and forgiving person, but I have my limits just like the next person. <i>Loud bass notes in the middle of the night is crossing my limit!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>• 2017 Goal: Grace, mercy, kindness, generosity and charity. Continue to put friends first when the situation arises.</i></span></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Speaking of forgiveness, I had a tender moment this past month with one of my friends. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonkuehn/">Shannon Kuehn</a> is an amazing friend, very professional and kind! I interacted with her recently at one of her meetups on <i>Azure Site Recovery</i>, which she hosted at the Civic Opera House Building. We worked together at IPsoft on 155 N. Wacker for awhile and I always valued her knowledge and experience in IT. She was a positive influence at IPsoft on our team, and I still feel to this day that she should've been our Team Lead but then we have Office politics! Shannon currently works with 10th Magnitude and has many success stories with Azure, Cloud Solutions and much more. She recently gave me some tips and pointers for my hybrid project at work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We met for lunch at <i>Naf Naf Grill</i> on W. Washington Boulevard for lunch one day. We agreed to meet up half way from our offices! Little did we know but that would put us near 155 N. Wacker lol. During lunch, I was blessed to learn the true meaning of forgiveness. When we both worked together at IPsoft, we worked with a couple teammates that were very negative, snide, spiteful and hurtful. As many times, I tried working on my shift with these team members, life was sucked out the room when they were there. It was hard to focus, concentrate and do my job. I never said anything about it. The team members would make fun of me and belittle me or my experience. <b><i>It really hurt!</i></b> How does this fit in with Shannon? I explained this to her and she thought I was overacting and jealous -- at first. I told her that wasn't it all and she didn't see how I really felt about, still thinking I was being jealous of them.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We met for lunch and she revealed to me something that made my heart sink!!! The same two teammates I had encountered a problem with also had hurt her! They hurt her in pretty much the same way they hurt me. She revealed this to me privately before we met for lunch. Hearing that news really upset my day to say the least and it was hard to work that day, because I felt really bad for her. That pain came back. In the "gap" we had in our friendship, it bothered me how she was treated, since I had already been there. So, I was ready to listen to her and how she felt at lunch. "I am sorry I didn't understand how you really felt," she admitted. "I understand now how you felt."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1TnCNHnydY/WMSDRo1QtwI/AAAAAAABMBk/8C7tWBS3yzYQmBYgjuqwYxHxK-lLja25ACEw/s1600/DSC_2885_lrip-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1TnCNHnydY/WMSDRo1QtwI/AAAAAAABMBk/8C7tWBS3yzYQmBYgjuqwYxHxK-lLja25ACEw/s400/DSC_2885_lrip-w.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Shannon Kuehn</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"It's all good."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">February 15, 2017</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It felt good to say to her, "it's all good." That's colloquial for saying I forgave her, because at that point, I did. I saw how much she felt sorry! There, it hit me about real forgiveness! People might do us harm, but it's NOT UNTIL THEY ARE TRULY SORRY FOR WHAT THEY DID AND ASK YOU TO FORGIVE THEM where the real forgiveness is at. My friend Jeff Korhorn and I have had this discussion many times, and now I truly see what that means. That's Christianity right there -- in a nutshell! Jesus commanded us to forgive <b><i>"...70 times 7."</i></b> It's the same as when we are sorry for our sin and ask God to forgive us. Being truly sorry. That means indefinitely. People often misunderstand what real forgiveness is. Although Shannon and I were meeting to discuss Azure at lunch, I mainly met for HER, for her to "let it out." I listened to her, and I truly empathized how she felt and how she was a victim of "emotional bullying." I reassured her not to feel guilty about her success and to keep on being her! &nbsp;Keep on succeeding I told her. I reassured her that I never felt ill-well with her and always had nothing but positive things to say when she wasn't near. She needed to hear that for herself. Since then, we've been talking more professionally and personally.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This month has had me refocusing on the GOOD in my friendships, and never to take them for granted. Next week, I'll get to visit some of those close friends again when I go and visit my folks in Cleveland for the week. Friends like Richard Trigg &nbsp;[<a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2013/08/a-gust-of-august.html">An Epiphany of Sorts</a>] with whom our families were linked before our births unknowingly. Some of my friends want me to take pictures for them too haha. One friend asked me how much I charge. I said, "You? You're a friend. I don't." I'm sure that tune might change in the future but I'm not a professional photographer. Several of my Cleveland friends took a long time to make. I don't just make friends right away. Until you really know who I am and understand who I am, then I make friends fine. That's been really difficult here in Chicago. There are a lot of people here, but I have managed to make some trusting ones. Oddly, I just found out that my friend Chris is also an INFJ. We discussed it over lunch last month. He admitted it to me, and said that is why we are probably friends. INFJ is a rare personality type and even more rare in MEN! I've learned to be who I am though and keep true to myself, a lot more lately.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rHg-mDRnoS8/WMSNbwfgrOI/AAAAAAABMCE/eF9FPKGRBrEwUacDCkvDkAIpLBnuCnG3wCLcB/s1600/DSC_7476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rHg-mDRnoS8/WMSNbwfgrOI/AAAAAAABMCE/eF9FPKGRBrEwUacDCkvDkAIpLBnuCnG3wCLcB/s640/DSC_7476.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">John Hancock's South Porch Window</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Streeterville, Chicago IL</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">February 11, 2017</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>True Faith by New Order</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Life altering decision</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This month was a tough month with being sick! Three times already this year, I've gotten sick, and I've had two migraines. This weather is part of the problem (too extreme hot/cold), but the medicine I take for my Autoimmune Disease is the other. I watch out for sick people for the most part, because the medicine inhibits immune function in my system. I am one of those people that after I hop of the train in the morning, the first thing I do is WASH MY HANDS with hot water and soap at work! I watch for people that sneeze and cough on me too, especially on the train. The train is literally like a moving petri dish! I am again getting over being sick at this very moment. It's not been easy, but 3 other team members have both come down with the same sickness at work. I found out that "Patient Zero" was probably a bad bottle of whiskey we all shared! The good news? I'm still losing weight, and once again, I'll have to drill another hole in my belt! Very soon!</div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>• 2017 Goal: Continue on with the diet and exercise and maybe join a gym next year. So far, I've been doing stuff at home and getting off at Damen instead of Kimball for cardio (2 extra miles of walking). I'm at a weight I was at in my early 20s now. That's the first time I've been at this weight since.</i></span></span></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I went to the doctor in Februrary for a check up. I go to Advocate Medical Ravenswood. I asked the doctor about my migraines and my Psoriasis. It's starting to come back. He told me that I will need a new agent. For the migraines, he said since they're not frequent, to keep taking Advil or Motrin BEFORE the headache ensues. I've pinned the migraines to extreme change in the weather from warm to cold. Event this week, we're expecting snow in the forecast, and we had a warm period last week. I also got new prescription for contact lenses recently too. I ventured back to my old stomping grounds in Darien to spend the day there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rokom0mfgdU/WMWijuHDlfI/AAAAAAABMDg/h47azTqw-WsJMdlO2aWehKDvD4wOEyD5wCLcB/s1600/driving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rokom0mfgdU/WMWijuHDlfI/AAAAAAABMDg/h47azTqw-WsJMdlO2aWehKDvD4wOEyD5wCLcB/s400/driving.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The last time I drove my car anywhere was back in November when I last saw my folks. I don't normally drive around in the city. I rely on walking, public transportation, and Uber. In fact, last night I used Uber to get around. Parking on my street is awful and it's probably the main reason I don't do a lot of driving. The yearly parking permit is worth it though. So, driving to the 'burbs in February was nice to do. We had nice weather that one Saturday. The Saturday I spent in Darien, I got my car repairs and vision taken care of. I usually take my car into Continental Honda on S. LaGrange Road, and since I was waiting for my car, I walked over to Walmart Vision to get my eye exam.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3YeLXF3fs80/WMWnMInOyaI/AAAAAAABMD0/MRnRLXtSS988iJoEij8O9iZq_w2i5c2YACLcB/s1600/DSC_7584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3YeLXF3fs80/WMWnMInOyaI/AAAAAAABMD0/MRnRLXtSS988iJoEij8O9iZq_w2i5c2YACLcB/s400/DSC_7584.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Car Repairs and Doctors</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Countryside IL</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">February 18, 2017</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This year was a change of guard for me. The general things I've done the past years here in Chicago, I stopped. After the Chinese New Year Parade this year, I stepped down as head organizer in "1001 Things To See In Chicago Before You Die." I have stayed on as a member, but I'm doing what I want this year and I've joined and attended several photography events in Chicago. I think stepping down was an eye-opener to several, and a lot of people support me, but a lot of people were disappointed I did that. I felt it was time to make that change in favor towards more photography this year. I am striving to go out on photo shoots and do more portrait photography. For the time being, my co-workers and some friends have been a help with being "subject matter" in my shots, and I'm learning a lot, especially with my new lenses. Meetup organizers struggle with one thing; I've seen this in other meetups. It's attendance and no-shows. This was the major factor for me stepping down as head organizer. It's hard to plan an event when you need head counts and only a handful of the people show up. It's the "meetup syndrome." Other organizers have the same problem. Rather than wasting my time with it, it was time to step down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>• 2017 Goal: More portrait photography in my portfolio next year. There is still a lot to learn. First item on my list to purchase is a lens with faster glass. Thank you, James Baranski.</i></span></span></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_opIvxsmvQM/WMTcx2zUNFI/AAAAAAABMC4/MU6WDR8pCIMTUJOrDWsXqHjelXOaL9EiwCLcB/s1600/DSC_8056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_opIvxsmvQM/WMTcx2zUNFI/AAAAAAABMC4/MU6WDR8pCIMTUJOrDWsXqHjelXOaL9EiwCLcB/s400/DSC_8056.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lensflare Photography at Bauwerks Studio</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bucktown, Chicago IL</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">March 11, 2017</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Since then, I've had more freedom to explore my photography and practice more. In fact, I've been meeting with a new startup group called Lensflare that meets in Bucktown! So far, the organizer has been really thorough with his information and provides us with enough to operate our cameras. I never has anyone show me how to clean my camera. This group has! Down to the sensor itself! Fascinating! I've attended a couple of the courses and you get to interact with each other and demonstrate with our cameras. The meetup is done right in a photography studio, so it exposes us to equipment, different types of lighting and more. I plan to do more with the meetup especially when Spring finally arrives.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sVHJ6zaNQ9Y/WMWtG99EdJI/AAAAAAABMEU/WYwU4YYqOb4SIJsdCXGHyqlKG9TFUcT4wCLcB/s1600/DSC_8049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sVHJ6zaNQ9Y/WMWtG99EdJI/AAAAAAABMEU/WYwU4YYqOb4SIJsdCXGHyqlKG9TFUcT4wCLcB/s400/DSC_8049.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lensflare Photography Group</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bauwerks Studios in Bucktown</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">March 11, 2017</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I also booked a meetup with Naperville Photography Group called "<a href="https://www.meetup.com/Naperville-Photography-Meetup/events/237943981/">Fantasy Photoshoot At Fabyan Forest Preserve.</a>" I can't wait to go. I already told the organizer that I'm practicing with my new portrait lenses, although having some problems with chromatic aberration. I'm hoping there isn't a problem with the lenses. They're brand new. I'll tell you what though, I'm learning really fast about Depth of Field and to be very careful with how shallow it is. I was shooting co-workers and noticed a few shots where one co-worker was standing behind the others and he was out of focus. Luckily, I DID think about that problem while I was shooting them and fixed that by closing the aperture a little more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I feel so extraordinary</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Something's got a hold on me</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I get this feeling I'm in motion</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A sudden sense of liberty</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The chances are we've gone too far</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>You took my time and you took my money</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Now I fear you've left me standing</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>In a world that's so demanding</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I used to think that the day would never come</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I'd see delight in the shade of the morning sun</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>My morning sun is the drug that brings me near</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>To the childhood I lost, replaced by fear</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I used to think that the day would never come</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>That my life would depend on the morning sun...</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>True Faith by New Order</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27qCzSaXy1U/WMWrD-S0jSI/AAAAAAABMEI/ZuVKnWXWyjwXxwP5Od-zulUHRsbjXBBGACLcB/s1600/May24Chatham.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27qCzSaXy1U/WMWrD-S0jSI/AAAAAAABMEI/ZuVKnWXWyjwXxwP5Od-zulUHRsbjXBBGACLcB/s640/May24Chatham.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dogwood Estate</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">One of the first homes of the Chathams</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">908 Mattingly Road</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hinckley OH</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Final Song by MØ</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>3rd Generation American. Chathams</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I am offspring of legal immigrants. My family, on both sides, have come over to the United States as legal, documented immigrants. That's how it should be done. That's my stance on it. The Chathams come from Nottigham, England. The name was changed to Chatham by my family for a more professional touch. It was Cheetham in the UK. It was changed in the 1920s here in the States. My Mom's side comes from Ireland. I recently learned though from a Great, great Aunt before her passing of our Ashkenazi Jewish heritage from her family. I wish I got more detail on that, but her family fled Ukraine and went to England before WWI. That is all that is known beyond that. The name was changed in England and there is nothing more than that. My Great, great Aunt lived a long life, had a very sound and clear mind, and was a tough woman. She could recall every detail of her childhood and every story and nuance in our family. Unfortunately she passed in 1994, and I never did get to ask her any more of our Jewish ancestry from her side of the family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>"EE isn't just one person." John Koestler</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Everyone else...</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wobiQApSo5E/WLYY5cv2CcI/AAAAAAABL3U/sPBj4ZvtPD4jc4zQ6kTeQJv50HUnwgJMACLcB/s1600/solar-flare.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="561" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wobiQApSo5E/WLYY5cv2CcI/AAAAAAABL3U/sPBj4ZvtPD4jc4zQ6kTeQJv50HUnwgJMACLcB/s640/solar-flare.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://theextinctionprotocol.wordpress.com/2016/10/19/earth-facing-growing-risks-of-powerful-solar-storms-that-could-reset-civilization/" target="_blank">October 2016</a> – SPACE – Solar storms threaten Earth about every 100 years and experts warn we are overdue. Now, researchers have released the first ever map that shows which areas of the US are at high risk of being hit by the next intense storm. The map was built using geomagnetic storm measurements and data from magnetic materials beneath the Earth – revealing Minnesota is particularly at risk of being blasted by solar material.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Solar storms have the ability to disrupt Earth’s magnetic field and wreak havoc on our electric power grids. Officials warn that the massive electromagnetic pulse (EMP) from solar flares could cause $2.6 trillion in damages across the globe and bring an end to modern civilization as we know it. Solar Storms are eruptions of magnetic energy from the sun’s surface. Hot gases are accelerated when this magnetic energy is suddenly released and travels quickly towards the Earth. A solar flare’s killer electrons’ can travel at up to several million miles per hour towards Earth...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>One massive CME ends the Information Age.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>It's not global warming!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Laugh and scoff all you want. Last month, I posted a "news event" related to comets striking the earth, but we should never under-estimate our own universe. We see the and enjoy the sun here on Earth -- its warmth and brightness, but our own sun can be our worst enemy. According to the research in this article, we are due for an intense CME from the Sun. I'm not a doomsayer, but we all should wake up and think of the things we take for granted especially with the technology we have today. One massive CME from the sun ends that! The Information Age ends! &nbsp;An EMP with great magnitude has that ability.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>It's not global warming! </i>The sun has had unusual activity which is driving this odd weather. We haven't had a "normal" solar maximum (11 year sunspot cycle). Brace yourself for solar flares. I've read several articles about the unusual solar activity and the lack of intensity in recent 11 year sunspot cycles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3tgNK3vpAIc/WLYbZKmL14I/AAAAAAABL3c/m0SB-7Zk8OMPDCC8Wj9-S79uK2v10i7MwCLcB/s1600/DSC_7638bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3tgNK3vpAIc/WLYbZKmL14I/AAAAAAABL3c/m0SB-7Zk8OMPDCC8Wj9-S79uK2v10i7MwCLcB/s400/DSC_7638bf.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Secret Meeting of Sol</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">February 18, 2917</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">My favorite photography subject is the Sun, but we take it for granted. &nbsp;We see it here as a small orb from a distance. It's not. It's a raging ball of furious gases, fierce and strong enough to destroy us. Funny but the movie "Knowing" (starring Nicholas Cage and Rose Byrne) popped in my Netflix queue and I watched it last night. Bear in mind, but one huge CME from the sun has the power to knock us right out of the Information Age! We rely on technology so much. Think about that. 1859 was the last time Earth experienced this as a solar flare knocked out Telegraph. Think about it. This article was merely something to think about. We are not the center of the universe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Well, thank you all again for taking a moment to read my blog for this month. I do hope that you all continue to have a great new year. I am going to try to do this same thing again in a month. So, until next time, take care...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Day 1778.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Be glad it doesn't look like this for this year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MV01Ri9RyNg/WMWysRBLS_I/AAAAAAABMFI/DmBSFazZvoAX7boExLPmgDQNAErlXUg5QCLcB/s1600/20130226_172114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MV01Ri9RyNg/WMWysRBLS_I/AAAAAAABMFI/DmBSFazZvoAX7boExLPmgDQNAErlXUg5QCLcB/s640/20130226_172114.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Waterfall Glen Apartments</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Darien IL</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">February 25, 2013</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>So don't let this be our final song</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>So hear me out before you say the night is over</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I want you to know that we gotta, gotta carry on</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>So don't let this be our final song</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Final Song.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RicChatham1013"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPP6SRT8mfY/URSDP7VGspI/AAAAAAAALO4/tkmLnmNM8s4/s1600/facebook-icon-25px.gif" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://plus.google.com/+EricChatham/"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eosiN9hkL1g/UwA97lziHzI/AAAAAAAAc_w/8mSg7Jb73LY/s1600/gplus-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://foursquare.com/user/29100101"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZmjRClf0XA/URSDWIlhFFI/AAAAAAAALPA/sDAblL-jdTc/s1600/foursquare-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ericrchatham"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LwcLDEwkQk/URSDdp6ss-I/AAAAAAAALPI/-aLb0I_PiFE/s1600/linked-icon-25px.gif" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.shekinya.net/"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7C2KjSQbMI/URSDkVeoieI/AAAAAAAALPQ/7BUwkwqwWII/s1600/shekinya-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/anelfinphile"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-euhpUUCymoM/URSDp6hhrqI/AAAAAAAALPY/FGYa3-Ml9AU/s1600/you-tube-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.sports-tracker.com/#/view_profile/echatham1013"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv3iS_Rf2Qc/URSIbJOWvYI/AAAAAAAALQQ/sljM9cUtrgs/s1600/sports-tracker-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.meetup.com/VentureAround/"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZcaiMdS57A/UXHteVWaJPI/AAAAAAAAOkA/xhbVgYpnHMI/s1600/meetupicon.png" /></a></td> </tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;;">Connect to me elsewhere at your own risk.</span></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;;">FOUNDATIONAL BLOGS</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: small;"><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-life-starts-at-water-tower-in-chicago.html">My Life starts at the Chicago Water Tower!</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/mark-0000-last-0-is-for-time-parameter.html">Mark 0, 0, 0, 0. The last 0 is for the time parameter</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/10/keeping-train-of-thought-and-keeping-on.html">Keeping a train of thought and keeping on track.</a></span>Eric Chathamhttps://plus.google.com/103180783527067419905noreply@blogger.com0Albany Park, Chicago, IL, USA41.9689723 -87.71972449999998441.9217483 -87.800405499999982 42.0161963 -87.639043499999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877632834855922254.post-87242770117322714712017-02-04T21:45:00.001-06:002017-02-08T20:33:00.376-06:00The Destination Is There!<b>Happy New Year 2017 Everyone!</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBrAddfYHWA/WIV9D-mTzdI/AAAAAAABKZQ/feJYare_Qy00kUgqx-TCW0eZVzt5lhgqwCLcB/s1600/DSC_6453-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBrAddfYHWA/WIV9D-mTzdI/AAAAAAABKZQ/feJYare_Qy00kUgqx-TCW0eZVzt5lhgqwCLcB/s640/DSC_6453-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">North Avenue Beach Deep Freeze</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">January 15, 2017</span></div><br /><b>A rough start to the new year.</b><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hello to all. Happy New Year! It's the year of the Rooster! Time to wake up! I hope each of you had a great new year. It's a brand new year. We have a new president and change is in the air. How did I spend my new year's? Well, I got hit with a nasty flu that had me laid out sick on my couch. Whatever it was took a long time to shake off too. By the the end of the month, I was feeling better up until the last couple days, when I got hit with an awful migraine which had me down for the count for a few days. Yeah, I get those, usually when the weather makes a dramatic change. The worst part of migraines is trying to stand up without puking!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jFXdsuE1noo/WIqrctWqDOI/AAAAAAABKf0/h1PoRb4e128Bo7qgA0QVkW0Zcd-h6l9vACLcB/s1600/destination.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jFXdsuE1noo/WIqrctWqDOI/AAAAAAABKf0/h1PoRb4e128Bo7qgA0QVkW0Zcd-h6l9vACLcB/s320/destination.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Can I have a ping Vsiliy? One ping only please...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I chose "The destination is there" for my theme this year. What does that encompass? Each year, we set goals, but do we ever follow through with them the entire year? Usually no, with myself included. I make goals, but I fail to follow through as well. Since 2011, I've given a theme to my new year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><i>2011: DIBS!</i></b> 2011 was one of my worst years on record, and it came due to career path and other choices. Late in the year, I had chosen an entirely different journey which brought me back to Chicago. In 2011, I was living in Brunswick OH (south of Cleveland). I worked downtown at a company called Broadvox but, just as we all do, I learned from my mistake switching jobs in August of that year. The company I went with does not even deserve to be mentioned here. Even though it was a pitfall in my life, it also became a shining light at the end of the tunnel. November 15 is celebrated as my Chicago-versary. Luckily, that light at the end of the tunnel was not an oncoming train, but I did <a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/10/keeping-train-of-thought-and-keeping-on.html" target="_blank">stay on track</a> after my 38th birthday on October 13. By NYE 2011, I was hoping for a different journey in life and I called out DIBS as the ball dropped to usher in 2012. No one in the room knew what that meant, only I did. I didn't belong in Cleveland anymore. The destination was not there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4jA1Owh1BJE/WIzWKVDoghI/AAAAAAABKgE/vGWHGl2PLqg5t7VhQxPelTDYzR7XdvCuwCLcB/s1600/Innerbelt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4jA1Owh1BJE/WIzWKVDoghI/AAAAAAABKgE/vGWHGl2PLqg5t7VhQxPelTDYzR7XdvCuwCLcB/s400/Innerbelt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My regular commute to Downtown Cleveland</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2011</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><i>2012: Welcome home.</i></b> In 2012, I visited Chicago for the first time since 1996 when I last lived here. I was here for job interviews. In April 2012, I packed up my place in Brunswick OH and moved. I started my Chicago Journey by moving to Darien IL for a couple years before moving back into the City. 2012 was a brand new start and a fresh start to pick up the <a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-life-starts-at-water-tower-in-chicago.html" target="_blank">pieces</a><span id="goog_466422348"></span><span id="goog_466422349"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a> from 15 broken years of my life.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5DCxgMvwCU8/WI04qSS_0yI/AAAAAAABKgU/WJEv8IpiqbkMaxZuMV3PEa5W9ujzt0gEgCLcB/s1600/DSC_1737_lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5DCxgMvwCU8/WI04qSS_0yI/AAAAAAABKgU/WJEv8IpiqbkMaxZuMV3PEa5W9ujzt0gEgCLcB/s640/DSC_1737_lr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sears Tower with our Daytime Star</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">August 4, 2016</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><i>2013: A Resolution in High Definition</i></b>. I picked this theme in 2013 to represent all the new changes and exciting things happening in my life. That year, I was part of a meetup group called Venture Around and it allowed me to explore Chicago and meet new people in the city. I also picked that theme because the Sears Tower is the tallest building in Chicago and I once wrote about towers and prayer. Towers allow us to see down the road further and to see what lies ahead. If you want to capture the world in <a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-resolution-in-high-definition.html" target="_blank">High Definition</a>, climb a tower.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><i>2014: It's Time.</i></b> The year started out with a very foreboding feeling and it really felt like the year was off and <a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2014/01/now-is-time.html" target="_blank">time was short</a>. &nbsp;Since then, each year, I've gotten this ill-foreboding year including this one. In 2014, I moved into the city to Albany Park, where I am currently residing now. 2014 was not an uppity year. Work took me away to different parts of the country each week, and it was a depressing year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><i>2015: Twelve Moons</i></b>. In January, I started with IPsoft. It started off great and got me back into the swing of things and there wasn't weekly travel, so it was nice to enjoy life in Chicago again and be put in charge of the meetup group called "1001 Things to See in Chicago before You Die." 2015 was a very positive year! I got out more. &nbsp;The only blog I wrote in 2015 was about the <a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2015_10_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Blood Moon</a>. I took a lot of photos that year and I composed a <a href="https://youtu.be/HX7aUeoC0vg" target="_blank">YouTube</a> video of my work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><i>2016: A Letter from the Front.</i></b> The theme for this year came from a <a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2016/12/a-letter-from-front.html" target="_blank">Mylon and Broken Heart</a> song, which I heard on my MP3 player on NYE 2015 as I was riding home on the Brown Line one night after work. The year was a challenging one. &nbsp;I fought many battles, mainly with health and career. I overcame some of the health issues and I overcame the <a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2016/09/merchandise-mart-is-next-doors-open-on.html" target="_blank">career change</a> late in the year in September. The chorus of the song reminds us to "keep the home fires burning."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SfRGc0Tfimk/WI1AtGNzVpI/AAAAAAABKgk/l2EsyAkosPYZJ0JdPHxhepB1_vqaNfBrgCLcB/s1600/imageedit_2_3879570662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SfRGc0Tfimk/WI1AtGNzVpI/AAAAAAABKgk/l2EsyAkosPYZJ0JdPHxhepB1_vqaNfBrgCLcB/s320/imageedit_2_3879570662.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>The Destination is there</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This year, I hope to reach my destination with many of the goals I set forth. &nbsp;Already, I've gotten things in motion including trying to get a Pre-Approval on a house (my first one). I paid my car off last month. I hope to continue with the photography and the blogging (more) too this year. &nbsp;Last year, I nailed my weight loss goals as well. &nbsp;I'm at a weight I was last at in my early 20s. I'm hoping to continue that goal with diet and exercise. For photography, I hope to do move portrait photography this year. So, already, this soon, I've gotten some things going for the new year. &nbsp;Like I said before, the new year started off sick on my couch and actually the last couple days of the month are the same as I have battled a migraine for 3 days in a row.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The new job has taken off too. I got my first job review this month with room for a raise, bonus, and room to grow. I thank my friend Chris Johnson (former IPsofter too) that got me when I did. It's brought back so many fond memories I had working for Broadvox in Cleveland (thank you Sergey Galchenko).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mIy9MUpilIc/WJac09UJfzI/AAAAAAABKuk/okpc3Ezz5YAohXhKAwBf4GnRkw6raGYKgCLcB/s1600/DSC_6912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mIy9MUpilIc/WJac09UJfzI/AAAAAAABKuk/okpc3Ezz5YAohXhKAwBf4GnRkw6raGYKgCLcB/s400/DSC_6912.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Catching Brown Line to Kimball</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fullerton Station</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">January 21, 2017</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>2017 Goals:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>• "Happy Now? Happy Later?" Happy Now! Todd, if you're reading this, you remember when you said this to me 10 years ago, and I said Happy Later? I'm making it a goal in 2017. I still don't know to this day why you asked me this, but it has made me think about my own happiness lately. Thank you, Todd E. Florian</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>• Landmark Chicago. I was introduced to this by a friend. I'm making this a goal. I'm still finding my purpose here in Chicago.Thank you, Therie Yi-Shin Lai. That November 15th date has a special meaning for me, being my Chicago-versary, but I'm yet to find my place and purpose here.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>•&nbsp;I want love and it's out there. Love and acceptance have been areas of my life I've battled with. Dating.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>•&nbsp;More portrait photography in my portfolio next year. There is still a lot to learn. First item on my list to purchase is a lens with faster glass. Thank you, James Baranski.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>•&nbsp;Build my faith stronger and filled with the Spirit. Accountability. Destination Church in Wrigleyville. Thank you, Michael K. Lawrence II.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>• Continue on with the diet and exercise and maybe join a gym next year. So far, I've been doing stuff at home and getting off at Damen instead of Kimball for cardio (2 extra miles of walking). I'm at a weight I was at in my early 20s now. That's the first time I've been at this weight since.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>• If there is one thing Chicago has taught me is resilience and a certain kind of stubbornness. So, continuing on to not be a door mat and have a little dignity is not a bad thing either. Thank you, Karen Sobolewski for always being supportive of my decisions and pointing me in a self-respectful lifestyle!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>• Find a new home! Yep, as much as I like my neighborhood (Albany Park), the apartment I live in has several faults, including kids that don't care about other neighbors in the building. 401k. Pre-Approval on mortgage.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>• Grace, mercy, kindness, generosity and charity. Continue to put friends first when the situation arises.</i><br /><i><br />• Stop being snubbed or ignored! You may think this is a selfish goal, but really it isn't. I never stand out and I'm often brushed aside, ignored and forgotten. &nbsp;Far too often in my life, this has been a serious problem, and I never do anything about it. &nbsp;Some people in my life get FAR too much praise, attention and adoration than they actually deserve, including cohorts, friends and family. So, meekly stand out.</i></div><br />These were goals that I came up with last year at the close of 2016. &nbsp;The last one was added at the end of January.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gwAJvYy7INA/WI1aVlbnA1I/AAAAAAABKg0/s7uReL6cbCsEp8QCeB50R05oJG20xmERQCLcB/s1600/20160919_175542-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gwAJvYy7INA/WI1aVlbnA1I/AAAAAAABKg0/s7uReL6cbCsEp8QCeB50R05oJG20xmERQCLcB/s640/20160919_175542-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My daily commute on the Brown Line</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Packed in like sardines</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>"Welcome to Brown Line run 402. Kedzie is next. In the direction of travel, doors open on the left at Kedzie."</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>CTA Kimball.</b><br /><br />I start my day each day at CTA Kimball at Lawrence and Kimball. &nbsp;I've started my day like this for the past two years actually. This is my regular commute downtown to work and other things. In 2015, I worked 2nd shift, so I'd get on the train by 1:30. &nbsp;After September last year, I get on the train by 8am. When I worked 2nd shift, the trip was 40 minutes. Now that I work 1st shift, that changes daily since there are more delays in the morning. The nice thing about Kimball is that it's the terminus, so I can find a seat pretty easily. By the time the train gets to Diversey, you can see commuters struggling to get on board the train. &nbsp;Sometimes, boarding at Kimball isn't all that good. 3x times I had an issue with my phone here, and the 3rd time, I actually lost my phone. This month has started out with several snags. Losing my phone here was one of those. My daily commute takes me to Merchandise Mart. I used to get off at Washington/Wells for IPsoft, one stop after Merchandise Mart. I've noted to myself to wrap my phone in bubble-wrap at Kimball.<br /><br /><i>"Merchandise Mart is next. Doors open on the right. Transfer to Purple Line trains at Merchandise Mart."</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VoH05hzWHjY/WJZ7v6vj9yI/AAAAAAABKsw/yGtKnveGwgwi8fUA_FHdRPOpP2O-qFCywCLcB/s1600/DSC_7121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VoH05hzWHjY/WJZ7v6vj9yI/AAAAAAABKsw/yGtKnveGwgwi8fUA_FHdRPOpP2O-qFCywCLcB/s400/DSC_7121.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My train passing in front of Merchandise Mart.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">February 2, 2017</span></div><b><br /></b><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>VelocityEHS.</b><br /><br />I board at Kimball and deboard at Merchandise Mart each day for work. The company I work for is inside the Merchandise Mart. It's called VelocityEHS. I joined this company with a friend and colleague on September 12, 2016. This was one major milestone goal I succeeded with last year when looking back over the year. My friend Chris and I worked together at IPsoft on 155 N. Wacker. He left the company first and went over to Velocity. Having worked there for a couple months, he contacted me and told me that he was trying to bring me in too. This was late in 2015. He said, "sit tight," because the company was moving its location into the Merchandise Mart early this year. I was struggling with my career choices as early as January of 2016. I felt I was directionless and going nowhere at IPsoft. I tried to move to another department there to no satisfaction. Only I would understand that battle! I don't expect others to. In August of 2016, Chris contacted me and told me to APPLY NOW. Actually, he invited me out to dinner to discuss the proposal and talk about VelocityEHS. We had dinner at Monk's Pub on Lake &amp; Wells. I remember it. I got the offer in September and I was overjoyed. I put notice in at IPsoft. You really start to learn about people after you leave a company as well. I was glad to be out of that negativity. I felt held back and I was never allowed to shine there.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">In the 6 months I've been with VelocityEHS, I've done much and even done some new things I can readily put on a resume. That's all in 6 months. The challenge was back and the freedom to be creative in my job was also back. I have told Chris on many occasions, THANK YOU for helping me get in when I did! I love it! It's still taking some time to fit in, but I work in a positive atmosphere and the team morale is superb! CJ, if you're reading, THANK YOU AGAIN!</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By the end of the year last year, I've done much including learning new technologies including vSAN and Microsoft Azure. This past Friday, my boss sat me down and reviewed my performance. To my surprise, I was given a 1.5% increase and included in with some of the bonus from last year even though I started late in the year. I didn't expect any of it. I told this to my boss. He commended me for "killing it" and getting projects done and meeting our deadlines. In fact, at our first Team Meeting this year, our department manager said that "we finished several items on our team, that were stale in 2016 for awhile. With thanks to our team pulling together and making our deadlines happen, we finished those items." It was the greatest thing I heard in that meeting from my boss' manager even. In the back of my mind, I knew I had a hand in that. This past week, a woman I sit next to at work in our department said she told my manager I was a great addition and my manager shared this in front of directors. That really made my day!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ixYyWKF9nXg/WJZ7I783L2I/AAAAAAABKso/WtKF688jQy0bSIZ631ZZ02inF4sWYBcKwCLcB/s1600/DSC_7094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ixYyWKF9nXg/WJZ7I783L2I/AAAAAAABKso/WtKF688jQy0bSIZ631ZZ02inF4sWYBcKwCLcB/s400/DSC_7094.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Our department on 17 in the southeast pinnacle</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Merchandise Mart</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">February 2, 2017</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">VelocityEHS brings back so many fond memories of Sergey Galchenko and Broadvox. Why? Sergey was a manager that assigned you a project, expected YOU to keep to manage the project yourself, do the research, make it work and complete the goal. He never told you how to get there. He gave you the independence and freedom to make it happen. Thank you Sergey. My current manager is the same. We have weekly meetings (just like at Broadvox) where we discuss our projects, the dos and don'ts, the gotchas, the best practices, etc, managed by my boss and his boss. These help everyone on our team work with each other, help, and contribute! This year it will be "serenading a rainbow by PM Dawn" with Azure Cloud Computing, my biggest project this year -- as we gain presence in the cloud.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xj9CJEWqVlM/WJaKvxxNBfI/AAAAAAABKto/8igY4NzjFugr-hMb5ElV1uP_N34DBlL1QCKgB/s0/20170201_093011.mp4" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6383442075262453234?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">You're on the Wrong Floor</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">VelocityEHS</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our team does some cheeky things, including this short video lol. We're nerds. In what I mean, one of those things we do is name our meetings after songs or album names. So, we've had meetings for David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Michael Jackson, Fifth Dimension, U2, and as I mentioned previously PM Dawn (which is specific for Azure lol). Our server names are also cheeky with a lot of the named for Motown singers. Love this group!&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mx0mtgV62HA/WJZ95yWfGjI/AAAAAAABKs4/f9G0joGBKEELzpuwRBTImm_VxDbOgG8AgCLcB/s1600/DSC_6972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mx0mtgV62HA/WJZ95yWfGjI/AAAAAAABKs4/f9G0joGBKEELzpuwRBTImm_VxDbOgG8AgCLcB/s640/DSC_6972.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Practicing Portrait Photography</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">West Loop Photo Shoot</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">January 22, 2017</span></div><i><br /></i><span style="text-align: justify;"><i>•&nbsp;More portrait photography in my portfolio next year. There is still a lot to learn. First item on my list to purchase is a lens with faster glass. Thank you, James Baranski.</i></span><br /><br /><b>Portrait Photography with Jim Baranski.</b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">On January 22, 2017, my friend Jim called me up and volunteered me to help with a photo shoot which would expose me (no pun intended) to more portrait photography. Ultimately, my main goal for 2017 is to get more practice in portrait photography. This is an entirely different kind of art than landscape photography. It requires a lot more to attention to detail. You are shooting a picture of a person, an individual that lives and breathes, has feelings and emotions, and is sentient. It different type of life you capture. The art of light a big factor in this.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Jim picked me up at my place and we drove over to the West Loop to meet with the models and the beauticians. There, we discussed our plan for the shoot. We decided on doing an L photo shoot. Jim and I had some knowledge of the L and where some good places would be to shoot. I proposed Merchandise Mart, being well lit, and with plenty of platform space. Having been a frequent commuter and in use of the platform, I thought this would be great for our L shoot.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RLcTlcJtrsM/WJaChhpVJyI/AAAAAAABKtE/bqsFzm66NkUF7xhkLJCc7dgrHm43Gv3fgCLcB/s1600/DSC_7006-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RLcTlcJtrsM/WJaChhpVJyI/AAAAAAABKtE/bqsFzm66NkUF7xhkLJCc7dgrHm43Gv3fgCLcB/s400/DSC_7006-2.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sriram Parthasarathy</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">January 22, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While the models were getting ready, Jim taught me some technique for shooting models and how controlling the Aperture affects the light on the subject, while the Shutter Speed affects the light in the background. This made some sense even having shot landscapes. The narrower the aperture on the camera, the more sharp the image is. &nbsp;The faster the shutter speed the darker the background and the slower the shutter speed, the brighter the background.and so on. Aperture controls the light on the subject while the shutter speed controls the background lighting. This photo was taken by Jim Baranski and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Chicagoprotography-1394840827511296/?hc_location=ufi" target="_blank">Chicago Protography</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iqXZm94sWbs/WJdLeC3pWdI/AAAAAAABKvs/ULR0KfN45ZUy9gkV3uCBpHPhwBZ28V9awCLcB/s1600/Jim_Baranski_Chiprotography.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iqXZm94sWbs/WJdLeC3pWdI/AAAAAAABKvs/ULR0KfN45ZUy9gkV3uCBpHPhwBZ28V9awCLcB/s400/Jim_Baranski_Chiprotography.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Model: Sriram Parthasarathy</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Makeup Artist: Laurel Bast/ Samantha Christiansen</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photographer: James Baranski</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Key Lighting Grip: Eric R Chatham</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Canon 5DMark III&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Canon F1.8 50mm @ F4.0 — with Sriram Parthasarathy.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">January 22, 2017 at Clark and Lake subway tunnel</span></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Riding the L. After the models were ready, we left and parked on Hubbard Street near the Mart. We unloaded our gear. I already knew that I wasn't be using my camera for this one, since we had to be quick. I put money on my Ventra Card in the Mart and allowed everyone to piggyback on me. Little did I know then, but I was the only one there with any knowledge of the trains and the routes. Ha! We boarded at Merchandise Mart, and I told the gang, "I'll be back here tomorrow for work." Nearly getting unpacked, CTA approached us and told me that we could not shoot without a permit. Oh boy! They were friendly with us as we were with them. We boarded the train and got off at Quincy. Again, CTA saw what we were doing but emphasized "no tripods." So we took that as a good sign we could still shoot without any tripods. I was designated to handle the key lighting for the shoot and Jim directed me what to do, where to stand and how to direct the light. CTA also told us that if a train stopped at the station, to put the equipment out of sight. So we complied and we were swift and intrepid for the shoot. We did some shooting at Quincy and in the Blue Line subway tunnel at Clark &amp; Lake.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a14zzgWze9g/WJaGg4brwII/AAAAAAABKtM/pv7G_KYLqWw_sqllCS8ovgicvppuLe_7QCLcB/s1600/DSC_6543-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a14zzgWze9g/WJaGg4brwII/AAAAAAABKtM/pv7G_KYLqWw_sqllCS8ovgicvppuLe_7QCLcB/s320/DSC_6543-2.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Co-Worker Pablo Gutierrez</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">VelocityEHS IT</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">January 19, 2017</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This was very fun learning experience and it helped me see things in action, get familiar with the lighting, the model posing and the type of equipment. I purchased two new Nikkor lenses this year for portrait photography: A 50mm 1.8G AF-S and a 35mm 1.8G AF-S. I was able to test and experiment with those during the night, mainly before the actual shoot. &nbsp;As the year progresses, I hope I can gain more experience.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bfGue8n7-qc/WJaIR7GnuPI/AAAAAAABKtU/bK6e4b4Ive0pH6ML5ESeyMWIO6I5czCDgCLcB/s1600/DSC_7222ip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bfGue8n7-qc/WJaIR7GnuPI/AAAAAAABKtU/bK6e4b4Ive0pH6ML5ESeyMWIO6I5czCDgCLcB/s640/DSC_7222ip.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago Sunrise</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Albany Park, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">February 4, 2017</span></div><br /><span style="text-align: justify;"><i>• Find a new home! Yep, as much as I like my neighborhood (Albany Park), the apartment I live in has several faults, including kids that don't care about other neighbors in the building.</i></span><br /><br /><b>Wintrust Mortgage with Ryan Barouth in Lincoln Square.</b><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On January 21, 2017, I ventured over to Wintrust Lincoln Square to meet with Ryan, a loan officer with the bank. &nbsp;This was an exciting appointment and it was also a beautiful day weather-wise, so naturally, I took my camera for the trip. &nbsp;The meeting was early in the morning. &nbsp;After missing my stop and getting off at WRONG train stop -- Damen instead of Western, I jogged back a half a mile to Western. &nbsp;It was a nice day and barely jacket weather, so it was nice to jog. Getting back to Lawrence and Western, I met with Ryan. We discussed my intentions trying to get a pre-approval on a mortgage, so we went over the fine details of that. He talked about the options and then he generated my credit report. I was shocked and overjoyed.&nbsp;</div><br /><i>Credit score 787. Fixing little debt to income. Little debtors. Next steps for home ownership!</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">That was the run down of the report. I paid off my car last December. He stressed a few things in the meeting. One, get the lowest amortized rate on my student loans (try to consolidate) and pay off a little credit card debt. &nbsp;He said it should bring down your debt to income ratio, making it better. I should be fine and once those are handled, we would meet again. He said I'm VERY close to getting a pre-approval and just need to clean up a little to make it look nicer and more appealing. &nbsp;With that, I can officially enter the final step into the world of adulthood. Ha!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ymMVcrano4/WJdJ9hMUHdI/AAAAAAABKvg/gMGoOx_tCLoC8omWWjaCePdlPfPBlQkpwCLcB/s1600/DSC_7183ip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ymMVcrano4/WJdJ9hMUHdI/AAAAAAABKvg/gMGoOx_tCLoC8omWWjaCePdlPfPBlQkpwCLcB/s400/DSC_7183ip.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago Sunrise seen from Living Room&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My Apartment on N. Drake &amp; W. Ainslie</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Albany Park, Chicago IL</span></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I would love to own a home of my home, having to live in apartments most of my life. This push to get a pre-approval went full steam late of last year after my limits with neighbor problems arose and construction flaws compromised the SAFETY in my own apartment. I have sprung TWO leaks in my ceiling, one in the hallway and well the other one IN A CIRCUIT BREAKER PANEL. Yeah! I was very scared too. The water from rain and snow was dripping down into the panel and shorting out the breakers. I called the fire department once then immediately the landlord.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Both these problems, including the inconsiderate kids in the building have pushed my patience limit and my unfriendliness factor. I'm an easy going, nice guy, but I have limits like the next person. I've had it and I don't think it's entirely safe to keep living where I'm at now with the water leaks, especially with no real assurance from the landlord or bldg management. So, I really hope I can finally own a home this year before my lease is up.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKQH9zNlcvE/WJaPrQfFcAI/AAAAAAABKt0/Eqh5sl4GK14bvbDoOQ9VfJRsaye6zbYvACLcB/s1600/DSC_6726-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKQH9zNlcvE/WJaPrQfFcAI/AAAAAAABKt0/Eqh5sl4GK14bvbDoOQ9VfJRsaye6zbYvACLcB/s400/DSC_6726-3.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Beautiful Winter Weather</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Diversey Harbor</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">January 21, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After I met with Ryan, I had lunch in Lincoln Square at Potbelly, got my haircut on Diversey, then walked over to Diversey Harbor to take some pictures with my new portrait lens. It was a fun day and the weather was awesome! Earlier in the month, I resumed my apartment search as well, looking at locations in Albany Park, Irving Park, Lincoln Square and Ravenswood. Time to make that move again.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3XCfJwNkWjs/WJaQfROPzBI/AAAAAAABKt8/oBo5wO-88bMtWn-o10T7MsgUcFBlRIL0ACLcB/s1600/DSC_2247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3XCfJwNkWjs/WJaQfROPzBI/AAAAAAABKt8/oBo5wO-88bMtWn-o10T7MsgUcFBlRIL0ACLcB/s640/DSC_2247.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago River</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">August 13, 2016</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ok this goes without saying. I didn't vote for the guy either, and time will tell just like our last president. We're Americans. Let's not forget what we do have that other countries do not. We're not whiners and complainers. We're over-comers and we make the best of what we can each day, yes even if that includes fighting for what's right. Ask yourself. Could it be worse? The best attitude starts with ourselves --- not our leaders. You want to change the world? It starts with your own hands and feet. It doesn't start with your hatred and anger --- a good attitude. The Golden Rule. Speaking of golden -- I know a lot of people dislike him and his name, but stop here and smell the colors and appreciate the beauty we do have.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TPS6djvoASQ/WJaSw3wqj0I/AAAAAAABKuE/ebtGnxppMVcd2e4Z-YQgFD-FGlRKVAnSwCLcB/s1600/DSC_7027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TPS6djvoASQ/WJaSw3wqj0I/AAAAAAABKuE/ebtGnxppMVcd2e4Z-YQgFD-FGlRKVAnSwCLcB/s400/DSC_7027.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Third hole drilled into my belt</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">January 25, 2017</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>• Continue on with the diet and exercise and maybe join a gym next year. So far, I've been doing stuff at home and getting off at Damen instead of Kimball for cardio (2 extra miles of walking). I'm at a weight I was at in my early 20s now. That's the first time I've been at this weight since.</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I feel like I might've hit a plateau with this, but maybe it has to do with the weather being cold and dry. On January 25, 2017, I went to work with an awful headache. I tried to block out any noise or whatever and focus on my job. It was tough. I woke up the next few days with a full blown migraine headache which carried over into the weekend. The worst part of having one is standing up or moving suddenly. Your stomach gets really queasy, aside from the throbbing pain in your head AND neck. I sought out my doctor about these and I've pegged it to dramatic change to a colder climate. &nbsp;It got cold quick after the warm weather we had. I see the doctor again next month and I'm going to ask him if there is something else I can take for them, even asking about CBD (Hemp oil). &nbsp;I'm hoping when the weather gets nice, I'll be a bit more active with jogging and exercise. This last migraine headache had me down for the count though.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Thankfully, on January 25, I had another hole drilled into my belt (three altogether since last July). Someone said to me, "why not just go get another belt?" I said, "well, then there's no challenge." I'm at a weight I once was at in my 20s. If I can keep this up, I want to be at 190 pounds. I've considered also joining a gym this year (first one since 2001). I also thought about taking up swimming again as a form of exercise. I learned to swim when I was kid at the urging of my parents. Ha! I shunned away from swimming mainly due to my auto-immune disease. Since I've been on the new medication though, that has been a major improvement to &nbsp;general character and appearance. I need to get off at Damen again! Lately, I've been so tired and this was an awful start to the year as far as my health. It took me weeks to kick the flu out of my system and it caused some setback.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WhknlmeCHAQ/WJaVFKcoHvI/AAAAAAABKuM/kWhCqAABIpE2tp29npT8Ze5nyUCjqBEkACLcB/s1600/DSC_9412_lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WhknlmeCHAQ/WJaVFKcoHvI/AAAAAAABKuM/kWhCqAABIpE2tp29npT8Ze5nyUCjqBEkACLcB/s640/DSC_9412_lr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Del Mar Beach</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">San Diego Vacation 2016</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">July 10, 2016</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>• "Happy Now? Happy Later?" Happy Now! Todd, if you're reading this, you remember when you said this to me 10 years ago, and I said Happy Later? I'm making it a goal in 2017. I still don't know to this day why you asked me this, but it has made me think about my own happiness lately. Thank you, Todd E. Florian</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This year, just like last, I'm striving to be happier with my life. It's had its moments though and a lot of the negative stems from people. &nbsp;I remember back to when I had tons of debt, owing a lot of money, working three jobs, going to school and paying bills. That would be 2005-2007 I refer to. It was a lot of pain and a lot of work. I would continue like this for awhile and I truly empathize with friends and others that live a similar lifestyle like that. I've been there. I don't come from a wealthy family and we had tough love growing up. You want something, you earn it. We worked hard to earn, not only respect, but building a life. &nbsp;I have two wonderful parents in Cleveland that just celebrated their 45th Wedding Anniversary on January 15. They have been my constant, and though, they live 360 miles away, I love them more and more with each passing day after I moved BACK to Chicago. In that distance though I constantly worry about them now -- along with a few dear friends back in Cleveland. &nbsp;Karen Sobolewski, if you're reading, you are one those dear friends.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My friend Todd asked me in 2007 when I was working myself to death with no break, &nbsp;"Why are you doing this? Happy now? Happy later?" To this day, I have no reason why he propounded that statement and he never admitted to me why, but it made me reassert myself. I remember telling him, "happy later." I recently called him and asked him about this. He said he remembered saying it but never said why. He went on to say, "look what you did for yourself after that. You made yourself happier and you took a new journey in that happiness." This year I intend to enroll with Landmark Chicago once I take care of getting my 401k back in order. My friend Therie introduced me to this last December and encouraged me to sign up -- not because I needed help but to find purpose.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I moved BACK to Chicago (lived here in 1994 before), but it wasn't because of determination or wanting to change. In my personality type, I'm phlegmatic and an INFJ. I hate change. I needed this new life though. I have told people I regard <i><b>November 15</b></i> (my Chicago-versary) more than <b><i>October 13 </i></b>(my birthday), because it was a day that really stood out for me and opened my eyes to something I feared the most (other than death) which was change. It took me to lose everything I built myself up to and learn how to overcome a mercurial point in my life. I had encouraging friends that put me straight and to show a little self-dignity.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wuym8jNKIi8/WJaZZrW85JI/AAAAAAABKuU/vmPYyA0XriEl9WfVx7OE47c8bGUZOnyugCLcB/s1600/DSC_7170bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wuym8jNKIi8/WJaZZrW85JI/AAAAAAABKuU/vmPYyA0XriEl9WfVx7OE47c8bGUZOnyugCLcB/s400/DSC_7170bf.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">American Heart Association</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">VelocityEHS IT Team</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Go Red for Women Day</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">February 3, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I thank God that I have crossed paths with these people. &nbsp;Even yesterday for Go Red for Women Day, I remember and honor two special women in my life: Karen Sobolewski and my Mother -- both suffer from a heart disease. Yesterday was a great day to remember them both and keep them in my heart -- the things they taught, the love the shared, and their kindness. &nbsp;Karen has an amazing story of her life too, "a miracle of sorts." We had the pleasure of working together at Broadvox in Cleveland in 2008-2011. There we became friends.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, with this new year ahead, I really hope I can achieve that happiness I was so long looking for. I was off to a good start last September when I joined VelocityEHS with my friend Chris Johnson. There is a lot to do this year. I hope you all make it great one. <i>Don't forget, it's the year of the Rooster. It's time to wake up!!!!</i><br /><br /><b>Friday the 13th. &nbsp;There are two this year.</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fhzKfx08f0Y/WJdBrjvz7ZI/AAAAAAABKvE/1yLunCUiEr8JayljIq7--OAzb9gsPL5OQCLcB/s1600/13-number.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fhzKfx08f0Y/WJdBrjvz7ZI/AAAAAAABKvE/1yLunCUiEr8JayljIq7--OAzb9gsPL5OQCLcB/s400/13-number.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Something about January 13th and more specifically, the number 13 in my life. It's never been misfortune, having been born on October 13!<br /><br />• Five years today in 2012, Cleveland, I packed up my Honda for the week to spend in Chicago for the first time since I moved away from there in 1996. I was visiting here for job interviews for a week. 2011 was the worst year for me ever, and my new year's resolution in 2012 was simply DIBS, since I said, "I call dibs" on NYE 2011 while watching the ball drop. I gave 2011 year theme name as "Dibs."<br /><br />• Four years ago today in 2013, I was living in Darien IL. I drove up to my old stomping grounds in East Troy Wisconsin for the weekend. On January 13, I visited the house I stayed at while I lived there. I met the new neighbors dwelling there. I stood on the very spot where I believe TIME froze in my life back on November 15, 1996, when I "ran away." In 2013, my New Year's resolution was "A resolution in High Definition." November 15 is also my Chicago-versary (November 15, 2011 was an epiphany for me).<br /><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZl9AxLGESk/WJdCnqWjFRI/AAAAAAABKvM/9qDiPLd8l9sgZegnjSXIwefupK7Ph8HKQCLcB/s1600/20140110_163159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZl9AxLGESk/WJdCnqWjFRI/AAAAAAABKvM/9qDiPLd8l9sgZegnjSXIwefupK7Ph8HKQCLcB/s200/20140110_163159.jpg" width="200" /></a>• Three years ago today in 2014, I did something I didn't think I would find myself doing for someone that's lived in the suburbs or exurbs all his life. I packed up my place in the Chicago suburbs and moved into the city into Albany Park. This by far was one of the toughest decisions I made, but with the help with several friends, it made things a little smoother. Still today, I am finding new challenges by living in the city and it's not been easy. My New Year's resolution in 2014 was "It's time" for many reasons. The year started off with an ill foreboding feeling. Plus, I was living outside my comfort zone -- still am to some degree!!!<br /><br />• Two years ago, today, I received a phone call saying I was hired at IPsoft. This was an exciting year for me all around, one of my best years ever! For once, I started enjoying my life and the new challenges I was encountering. It was a year of breaking comfort zones and going beyond myself in many ways. Again, with the help of friends and new coworkers, 2015 turned into one of my best years. My New Year's resolution was more or less "Tabula Rasa" for me.<br /><br />• Last year, nothing extraordinary happened on that day. I was battling with life decisions.<br /><br />• This year, again, nothing extraordinary, but I am glad to be part of a new team and being valued. I was recently told that I've been valuable with helping goals being met. However, I was able to share one of my photos on ABC7 (through my favorite weekend newsperson, Stacey Baca)...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sFTBgZm9aG0/WJdPecQWKdI/AAAAAAABKwE/qMDYUJcYOlwdYKQzs1nkoyPV-Y362Lh6wCLcB/s1600/DSC_6313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sFTBgZm9aG0/WJdPecQWKdI/AAAAAAABKwE/qMDYUJcYOlwdYKQzs1nkoyPV-Y362Lh6wCLcB/s640/DSC_6313.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wrigley Building, Chicago</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo was shared on ABC7</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">January 15, 2017</span></div><br /><b>On this year.</b><br /><br /><i>Time...</i><br /><br />* 45 years ago, my Mom and Dad were married in Bedford OH at Lutheran Church of the Master (January 15)<br />* 40 years ago, I think I was living in Hilo, Hawaii with my Mom and Dad and 1977 was my first time moving to Cleveland, Ohio with family. I was born in NC.<br />* 35 years ago, moved to Maple Heights OH from Lakewood OH. Went to McKinley Elementary in Lakewood then to Stafford in Maple. 2nd grade. Ms. Micelli.<br />* 30 years ago, I was in 7th grade (Team 7-II) at Milkovich Middle School (Maple Heights OH). Mr. Vincent, Mr. Milkovich, Mr. Stephens, Mr. White, Mr. Wuznuk, to name a few teachers...<br />* 25 years ago, graduated from Maple Heights High School.<br />* 20 years ago, I had moved from E. Troy, Wisconsin and living in my first Ohio apartment (Pinewood Apartments) in Brunswick on S. Carpenter Road. Year before, lived in Chicago.<br />* 15 years ago, fell in love with a woman. Still at Pinewood in Brunswick. Shift Coordinator at Ponderosa. Writing.<br />* 10 years ago, I was living in N. Royalton OH at Oakbrook Gardens (how I got the name of my home computer network btw). I was working at Broadvox (Downtown Cleveland), Tony Roma's and just left LifeBanc (Shaker Heights OH) at the end of the 2006.<br />* 5 years ago this week was my first trip to Chicago (returning to Chicago) for job interviews. Living at Cross Creek in Brunswick. Unemployment.<br /><br /><i>...flies.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>In other news...</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eKujcdqvCkM/WJaay2HmvZI/AAAAAAABKuc/krfjNwelXBk5BS6stoTENyGbZ4LnePszQCLcB/s1600/2016_wf9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eKujcdqvCkM/WJaay2HmvZI/AAAAAAABKuc/krfjNwelXBk5BS6stoTENyGbZ4LnePszQCLcB/s640/2016_wf9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2016 WF9 to Strike Earth.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Russian scientist warns.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">February 16, 2017</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Day after Payday</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>February 16, 2017</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is for all you conspiracy theorists out there (including myself):</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"NASA has confirmed that the 2016 WF9 is approaching Earth and we should be able to see it orbit the planet next month. Spotted in late November, the giant rock is in the middle of its nine year orbit between Jupiter and Earth. It is scheduled to approach us on February 25, flying by at a distance of 32 million miles from the planet, they claimed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Experts at the space agency believe the 2016 WF9 asteroid is between 0.3 and 0.6 miles across. If correct, it would be likely to burn up on entry to our planet. But the wilder minds of the internet are spreading claims from an apparently non-existent astronomer called Dr Dyomin Damir Zakharovich.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The doctor has allegedly accused the space agency of a cover up and suggested the space rock is a fragment of fabled planet Nibiru which is headed straight for us, according to reports. Nibiru is a fictional planet predicted to bring about the end of the world, according to doomsday theorists. It’s believed it will rain asteroids on the planet causing mass devastation."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VVTVEAh5aNc/WJjPGncfzXI/AAAAAAABKw4/Y-ClQHrmT9o_48EREL77Ds2hsl0n-ljVwCKgB/s1600/Screenshot_2017-02-06-08-28-54.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VVTVEAh5aNc/WJjPGncfzXI/AAAAAAABKw4/Y-ClQHrmT9o_48EREL77Ds2hsl0n-ljVwCKgB/s320/Screenshot_2017-02-06-08-28-54.png" width="180" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Deep Impact event on Feb 16</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Planet Earth</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">• <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4160138/Is-doomsday-asteroid-way-Earth.html" target="_blank">A doomsday asteroid will hit Earth next month and trigger devastating mega-tsunamis, claims conspiracy theorist</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">• <a href="http://www.snopes.com/will-a-doomsday-asteroid-destroy-earth-in-february-2017/" target="_blank">Snopes has something to say about it.</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">• <a href="https://theskylive.com/2016wf9-tracker" target="_blank">Live tracker of 2016 WF9</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />If we are struck by an asteroid on February 16, I won't have to go to the doctor on that day...<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kscLI8y4TM8/WJdJcYsZ27I/AAAAAAABKvc/3GD-n1pcv3IJpVH-l9XrAmQbKtSqsZmfQCLcB/s1600/DSC_6856-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kscLI8y4TM8/WJdJcYsZ27I/AAAAAAABKvc/3GD-n1pcv3IJpVH-l9XrAmQbKtSqsZmfQCLcB/s640/DSC_6856-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fullerton Beach</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Give thanks!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">January 21, 2017</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i><i>•&nbsp;Build my faith stronger and filled with the Spirit. Accountability. Destination Church in Wrigleyville. Thank you, Michael K. Lawrence II.</i><br /><br /><b>The ultimate destination is there!</b><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>It is the year of the Rooster. This very well may be Earth's wake up call!</i> In any event, always remember Jesus Saves! John 3:16. I am a whosoever. &nbsp;If the inevitable on February 16 does happen, and we are struck by NEO 2016 WF9, we are assured of eternal life through his sacrifice. Jesus' mission on Earth was not only to teach us. His Word also teaches us he came to save sinners by dying for our sins -- yours and mine. He asks us to trust Him and to follow him.&nbsp;I hope and pray those reading or following my blog will seek Him with an open Heart this year! Jesus does LOVE you! &nbsp;He proved it by dying for your sin on a Cross and taking your punishment -- yours and mine. &nbsp;We all sin and fall short of the mark (Romans 3:23). &nbsp;We all have sinned and fallen short of His glory. &nbsp;This year's theme will be II Corinthians 6:2. &nbsp;The Time is Now; it is immanent.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">II Corinthians 6:2 (KJV)</span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."</span></blockquote><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: x-small;">John 3:16</span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: x-small;">For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.</span></blockquote><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Romans 3:23 (KJV)</span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: x-small;">For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.</span></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2WH8xpeZUKg/WJdMjWSlcPI/AAAAAAABKv0/yhUWuIxovxkGuY9E4tJpUgKeKI_pfphBwCLcB/s1600/DSC_7053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2WH8xpeZUKg/WJdMjWSlcPI/AAAAAAABKv0/yhUWuIxovxkGuY9E4tJpUgKeKI_pfphBwCLcB/s400/DSC_7053.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"It was the end to a very long day"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">February 2, 2017</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Groundhog Day</span></div><br />This has been my life verse ever since I first lived in Chicago back in 1994.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hebrews 12:1, 2 (KJV)</span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;</span></blockquote><br />Remember these verses and pray today.<br /><br /><b>A Very Special Happy 45th Anniversary to my Mom and Dad.</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MRckUGBedYA/WJdOJHLlxcI/AAAAAAABKv8/QMfRuRkbrT0uqiT6TQt-8_noSF_yBL4tQCLcB/s1600/MomandDadyoung.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MRckUGBedYA/WJdOJHLlxcI/AAAAAAABKv8/QMfRuRkbrT0uqiT6TQt-8_noSF_yBL4tQCLcB/s320/MomandDadyoung.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">January 15, 1972</span></div><br />January 15th. This day deserves much appreciation and recognition. In a world of divorce and unfaithfulness, it shines strongly and brightly. It is a very special day! It happens once a year and it has since 1972 in Bedford OH. It celebrates two people in my life that I'm very proud to call Mom and Dad. Today they celebrate their 45th Anniversary! Mom and Dad, I am proud to be your son and I love you both very much. Thank you for being the best parents you are. Many blessing on your joyous day of days. No one is perfect but you have both demonstrated a very lasting, enduring and persevering relationship of honesty, trust and love. You make it work. I love you!<br /><br />I hope this year is a good one to you all. &nbsp;Thank you for reading. The pictures in this blog were all done by me (except the graphic of 2016 WF9 and my folks). &nbsp;If you would like to see more or connect with me, I have a public photography page on Facebook and discovered the wonders of Instagram. I also maintain my own website (the server sits in my apartment).<br /><br /><b>Find Me:</b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/treikayan/?hl=en" target="_blank"><br /></a>•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/treikayan/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram (treikayan)</a><br />•&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/PhotogRickChatham1013/" target="_blank">Eric Chatham Photography</a><br />•&nbsp;<a href="http://www.shekinya.net/" target="_blank">Shekinya.net</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wKTqdMtDQY0/WJvSdVt3vqI/AAAAAAABKzc/RwxzE7-FxJE1_ejEV8xIt1YZfSr12D06ACLcB/s1600/DSC_7309_lr-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wKTqdMtDQY0/WJvSdVt3vqI/AAAAAAABKzc/RwxzE7-FxJE1_ejEV8xIt1YZfSr12D06ACLcB/s400/DSC_7309_lr-w.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">CTA Kimball</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Albany Park, Chicago IL</span></div><br /><i>"This is Kimball, as far as this train goes. All passengers must leave the train. Thank you for riding the CTA Brown Line."</i><br /><i><br /></i><b>Thank you all that took a moment to read my blog. I hope to do more of these this year. I was told recently to start doing this again actually. I hope you all have a great year!!!</b><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XwPMolrAn50/WJvS_A0qYsI/AAAAAAABKzg/-LMocf_SwPENvkAjKFVZ4hj9M1IQATUfwCLcB/s1600/DSC_3047_lr1ip-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XwPMolrAn50/WJvS_A0qYsI/AAAAAAABKzg/-LMocf_SwPENvkAjKFVZ4hj9M1IQATUfwCLcB/s320/DSC_3047_lr1ip-w.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chinese New Year Lunar Parade</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chinatown, Chicago IL</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Year of the Rooster!!!</span></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EIetz9-fvJg/WJadoUD3dPI/AAAAAAABKuw/rbeacPR2Jl8axRagaXnfnFkImFCyD_VXgCLcB/s1600/DSC_6965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EIetz9-fvJg/WJadoUD3dPI/AAAAAAABKuw/rbeacPR2Jl8axRagaXnfnFkImFCyD_VXgCLcB/s640/DSC_6965.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">From the desk of...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yes, the PC wallpaper was a picture I took</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Day 1743</span></div><br /><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RicChatham1013"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPP6SRT8mfY/URSDP7VGspI/AAAAAAAALO4/tkmLnmNM8s4/s1600/facebook-icon-25px.gif" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://plus.google.com/+EricChatham/"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eosiN9hkL1g/UwA97lziHzI/AAAAAAAAc_w/8mSg7Jb73LY/s1600/gplus-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://foursquare.com/user/29100101"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZmjRClf0XA/URSDWIlhFFI/AAAAAAAALPA/sDAblL-jdTc/s1600/foursquare-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ericrchatham"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LwcLDEwkQk/URSDdp6ss-I/AAAAAAAALPI/-aLb0I_PiFE/s1600/linked-icon-25px.gif" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.shekinya.net/"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7C2KjSQbMI/URSDkVeoieI/AAAAAAAALPQ/7BUwkwqwWII/s1600/shekinya-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/anelfinphile"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-euhpUUCymoM/URSDp6hhrqI/AAAAAAAALPY/FGYa3-Ml9AU/s1600/you-tube-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.sports-tracker.com/#/view_profile/echatham1013"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv3iS_Rf2Qc/URSIbJOWvYI/AAAAAAAALQQ/sljM9cUtrgs/s1600/sports-tracker-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.meetup.com/VentureAround/"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZcaiMdS57A/UXHteVWaJPI/AAAAAAAAOkA/xhbVgYpnHMI/s1600/meetupicon.png" /></a></td> </tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;;">Connect to me elsewhere at your own risk.</span></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;;">FOUNDATIONAL BLOGS</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: small;"><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-life-starts-at-water-tower-in-chicago.html">My Life starts at the Chicago Water Tower!</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/mark-0000-last-0-is-for-time-parameter.html">Mark 0, 0, 0, 0. The last 0 is for the time parameter</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/10/keeping-train-of-thought-and-keeping-on.html">Keeping a train of thought and keeping on track.</a></span> Eric Chathamhttps://plus.google.com/103180783527067419905noreply@blogger.com0Albany Park, Chicago, IL, USA41.9689723 -87.71972449999998441.9217483 -87.800405499999982 42.0161963 -87.639043499999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877632834855922254.post-27515248199135638602016-12-18T16:37:00.002-06:002018-01-07T13:07:17.727-06:00Keep the home fires burning!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>2016 A Letter from the Front!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TwLBmFerAf4/WGMs5moJlQI/AAAAAAABJR4/ozTUET2xulgBRPW_vuDEss3mcNH_sMMIQCLcB/s1600/imageedit_4_9492713280lp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TwLBmFerAf4/WGMs5moJlQI/AAAAAAABJR4/ozTUET2xulgBRPW_vuDEss3mcNH_sMMIQCLcB/s640/imageedit_4_9492713280lp.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">LSD Bridge</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago IL</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="text-align: center;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="text-align: center;">2016: A Year of Challenges</b></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>It's hard to believe it. Where has this year gone? 2016 is almost over and in the books.</i>&nbsp;This year just flew by! 2016 was a bittersweet year if I were to sum it up as a whole. &nbsp;This year had much good, but there were also some bittersweet moments, and some bad moments. We lost a lot of beloved celebrities this year. &nbsp;From Prince, David Bowie, Glenn Frey, Alan Rickman all the way up to George Michael and Carrie Fisher. Trump elected as president. Cubs win world series (I'm an Indians' fan), and much more. Bittersweet. What a year of challenge too. In the beginning of the year, I chose "A Letter From The Front" as this year's theme song. I was on my way home one night, riding past Randoph and Wabash station on December 31, 2015 thinking back to my year in 2015 and how great it really was! I have an eidetic memory. Lots of good things that year with very few disappointments. That was December 31, 2015 near the stroke of midnight, riding the Brown Line going home from work. <i>Yes, I worked New Year's Eve last year.&nbsp;</i></div><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Keep the home fires burning</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">With His eternal flame</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Keep on living what you're learning</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">And you'll never be the same</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The good news has come from heaven</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The war's already won</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">That's why I wrote this letter</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">From the front.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RVQwAeBagC8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RVQwAeBagC8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><b><i>Keep the home fires burning!</i></b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6HPrDI4-uwA/WFb9wMiwdvI/AAAAAAABI10/8POQCcqtb-UurZwT8f4BLNN9j7zkqEC9QCLcB/s1600/DSC_1981_lrip-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6HPrDI4-uwA/WFb9wMiwdvI/AAAAAAABI10/8POQCcqtb-UurZwT8f4BLNN9j7zkqEC9QCLcB/s640/DSC_1981_lrip-w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago Sunrise from my Apartment in Albany Park</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">November 15, 2015</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>On the Brown Line, December 31, 2015, just before midnight going home from work,</i> I was listening to my MP3 player on my phone. &nbsp;I just passed the Randolph/Wabash station. &nbsp;Mylon and Broken Heart's song, "Letter from the front" began playing. &nbsp;As I listened to the tune (this tune came out in the early 90s), the song's chorus mostly hit home with me. "Keep the home fires burning." 2015 ended. 2016 was just beginning. There is a battle waging. The battle is not seen with our own eyes. I am a believer in Jesus Christ. I've been a believer and I asked Jesus to forgive my sins. I remember that sunny, Sunday morning, September 13, 1992 at the <a href="http://www.thegospelhouse.com/" target="_blank">Gospel House Church</a> in Walton Hills OH. He saved me that day. There, the battle started. The home fires burn within my own heart with His Eternal Flame. With Christmas only days away now, 2016 will go down in the books with that theme, keeping the home fires burning. There were many times this year where I just felt like giving up. Earlier this year, I was struggling with a career decision, and that struggle began as early as January 1 of this year. "What do I do with my career here in Chicago?" I've also battled and battled with migraine headaches, my weight, love, personal life, family, and having an auto-immune disease. These are all wars I've been fighting this year but would also have some victory in. I would keep battling those wars with some victory and battleground won. The war wages on. In the heart, I've battled many wars with my decisions and life. The war rages on. I'm genuinely a friendly person, but all too often this year, that line has been crossed with people and most of all with family. I have my limits with people like anyone else. Keep the home fires burning!<br /><br /><b><i>With His eternal flame!</i></b></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This year November 15, also marked 5 years living in Chicago. As most of my friends know, <i><b>November 15 is my Chicago-versary</b></i> and I regard it more than my own birthday. On that day, I reflected on my life, personal growth and the battles I won since I moved here -- in the Suburbs 2012, and then in the city January 2014. I lived in Chicago before in 1994 for a couple years before then moving to Wisconsin (then back to Cleveland). It's been one heck of a journey in my life. November 15 was also a day 20 years earlier (November 15, 1996), I failed in my life and ran away from all my problems, all centered around Chicago.</div><br /><b><i>Keep on living what you're learning!</i></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCHGTFuF6Kw/WFb_DjYjbII/AAAAAAABI18/5ZOXB48he0YZp8nO9BGAvmP9ugMEuVTMACLcB/s1600/DSC_4880-HDR_lr-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCHGTFuF6Kw/WFb_DjYjbII/AAAAAAABI18/5ZOXB48he0YZp8nO9BGAvmP9ugMEuVTMACLcB/s640/DSC_4880-HDR_lr-w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Adler's Front Yard</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">April 9, 2016</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>When I moved back to Chicago, I loved every bit of it.</i> It's been a ride though. Living in the city teaches you vigilance and a different kind of patience. It's not been easy for me. As most of you reading this know, I am a phlegmatic person, an INFJ. I need my personal space, and I hate change. In the city that is a challenge. The battle rages on! I can't begin to tell you how many times I've stepped outside my comfort zone here! In 2015, I took over a meetup group here called <a href="https://www.meetup.com/1001-Things-to-See-in-Chicago-Before-You-Die/" target="_blank">1001 Things to see in Chicago before you die</a>. What a mouthful of a title; I didn't give it the name, but it does cause you to stop and think about what you do in your life -- here in Chicago or wherever -- before you die. It has an ominous ring to it. When I moved into the city, it was due to friendships I made here. They all lived here in the city. Some people come and go in your life, and sometimes we never know why. This happened to me very early in 2015. True friends will stick by you until the very end and love you no matter what. Being a member of the meetup group and, then, inheriting the ownership of the group, has taught me a lot about people. THERE IS A LITTLE OF THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD IN CHICAGO! I never doubt that a minute. Visit the world? It's here in Chicago! In people!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This year, I started a new job at VelocityEHS. Another battle: My career. In January of this year, I thought long and hard on this. The last time I actually was using my skills and experience was at a company in Cleveland OH called, Broadvox. I MISSED THAT! In January, I was working at IPsoft on 155 N. Wacker in the Loop. The realization that I was missing out on my skills and experience with the company hit me hard! I tried making a change into another department even with that company with no real satisfaction. Only I will understand that battle! With the pending change into that new department, even that was not what I needed. In August, my friend Chris Johnson (a bloke I befriended at IPsoft) approached me about applying at his new company, <a href="https://www.ehs.com/" target="_blank">VelocityEHS</a>. I had the interview with the manager and I remembered that day what I was missing. A little spark formed. The home fires burning still. My skills and experience needed to stay alive. They were dying and suffering in my present role at IPsoft. It was time to make the change! After the interview that day with my NEW manager, what I took home that day was the fond memories and experience I attained with my employment at <a href="http://www.vitelity.com/blog/2015/09/official-onvoy-national-powerhouse-acquisition-broadvox/" target="_blank">Broadvox</a> and how I missed that; the ability to be creative in my job. On September 12, I was hired on with <a href="https://www.ehs.com/" target="_blank">VelocityEHS</a>. Not a day goes by where I learn something new, gain new experience, and continue on that career path I started with Broadvox in Cleveland. The legacy continues.</div><br /><b><i>You'll never be the same!</i></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0XC90ZGcpVg/WFcADLQewbI/AAAAAAABI2A/Zg1IAKh3828cNtNtNTWNQC7wGgkoJoLeQCLcB/s1600/165524_lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0XC90ZGcpVg/WFcADLQewbI/AAAAAAABI2A/Zg1IAKh3828cNtNtNTWNQC7wGgkoJoLeQCLcB/s640/165524_lr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Windy City Wine Festival</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">September 10, 2016</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Truth! It has not been the same! I know I've changed!</i> I've grown. I never could see myself living in the city, being a suburban boy! That doesn't mean to stop learning what you're learning either. It means to keep it up. When the opportunity to move back to Chicago arose with such an ominous tone to to it ala November 15 style, I truly believe the reason is greater than myself and it's not about me. I don't know what it is, but God has a plan! This past week, I went with a friend to her graduation at <b><i><a href="http://landmarkworldwidechicago.com/" target="_blank">Landmark Forum</a></i></b> on Wabash, and once again, that "reason" presented itself again to me. "I'm here for a greater reason. What is it?" During that evening session with her, I also thought about my year here, the challenges I've faced, the victories, and the "home fires burning!" [Thank you Therie!!!] She invited me out that night there, and I'm now starting to see a reason and trend to my life here. I told her after the evening that I'm still absorbing all of this, and tried to explain my indifferent approach and expression. I absorb. I'm phlegmatic. I don't always show emotion, and I think too much. I told her I was interested though and considering it for next year as a "to do." It got me thinking though about the main purpose here. "Why am I here back in Chicago?" I've had personal growth here, life victories, but that's not it. I thought back to my <b><i><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2013/11/and-only-i-remain.html" target="_blank">Chicago-versary</a></i></b> that night [blog November 2013]. I shared this with her. "The reason I'm back here in Chicago is a reason greater than mine; what is it?" That is also a battle in my life. I've struggled here going back to church and meeting people of my own faith. I've struggled in my own faith too this year. The battle goes on. I'm starting to see more to this theme song I listened to on my train ride home that NYE 2015 now.</div><br /><b><i>The good news has come from Heaven!</i></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IiKe9CmZbio/WFcIOqHd58I/AAAAAAABI2U/OPD1iE1Djoo5SJeFA9Fir1NGiXJCYwHbwCLcB/s1600/2597_lrnfnk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IiKe9CmZbio/WFcIOqHd58I/AAAAAAABI2U/OPD1iE1Djoo5SJeFA9Fir1NGiXJCYwHbwCLcB/s640/2597_lrnfnk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A battle of Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jocel and Aziz</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>I am a "whosoever!" What does that mean?</i> We all know John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, He gave us His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." I am proud to be called a WHOSOEVER! Do we truly believe it? Do we truly live it? The life of a whosoever! Every day I TRY to live my faith by actions. In a little of the world here in Chicago, sometimes that is a challenge, even with those that proclaim to be Christian! Sometimes, that makes it more difficult! Are you truly a whosoever? What does it take? I am far from perfect and I have my limits just like anyone else. I strive to be that light for those. That is why I need a savior from my sin! Jesus paid for my sin on the cross. What does that mean? Our sin nailed Christ to the cross, the religion of sin. Not the Jews, not the Romans. Sin, and sin alone. I remember my pastor at the Gospel House saying this on occasion. "On that Day, God will ask you, 'What did you do with my Son?'" I don't want to be charged with first degree murder of God's Son! God is gracious and merciful that would not want anyone to perish, but ask Him to repent and ask him forgiveness. &nbsp;I have befriended several of the Muslim faith this year. I hope they still know that I believe Jesus is the savior and His mission here on Earth was to save sinners! He is the only way to Heaven. &nbsp;We are accountable to our sin and our actions. The good news is Jesus. He's in Heaven, sitting at the right hand of the Father.</div><br /><b>The War's already Won!</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Tdi6_F0BTQ/WFcKL2vGwDI/AAAAAAABI2c/IQ-DvX9i1CIBGq8Uaar6ii4o83DCQAbKQCLcB/s1600/4099_lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Tdi6_F0BTQ/WFcKL2vGwDI/AAAAAAABI2c/IQ-DvX9i1CIBGq8Uaar6ii4o83DCQAbKQCLcB/s640/4099_lr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sunset over Lawrence Avenue</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicagohenge, September 22, 2016</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Going back to that "Grand Purpose" here in Chicago</i>, I know He has a plan for me. &nbsp;Sure, He wants me to succeed in my life, he wants me to have peace, BUT his purpose for me being in Chicago is yet to be known by me. &nbsp;That grand purpose doesn't involve me. It involves something greater than I. With such a grand revelation to my coming back here to Chicago, I know it's for a greater purpose. In the interim, I strive each day to bear fruit, do good deeds, and continue on in faith. It's been a challenge. Trust me, this year, many internal battles challenged my faith -- and continue to right now. That song, again, resounds! Again, I'm seeing its purpose up to this moment, composing this very blog! &lt;PAUSE&gt;</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Lately, I've been having a re-occurring dream of fallen-out friendships of a couple, and their newborn baby. They've been very happy dreams, and with a lot of the turmoil I've encountered this year, it was just a blessing to wake each morning after having a dream about it. One dream was a happy one where their new baby learned to walk! Fallen-out friendships. Yes, this particular one has hit me hard! I texed the person earlier this month, and one response I got from him BROUGHT ME TO TEARS!!! &nbsp;Tears of joy! The last time I really cried was November 15, 2011. &nbsp;Yep, you guessed it. My Chicago-versary! Soon after, I got another text back from him, and I don't think he knew who I was, so that changed, and I was again hurt. "At least I tried," is what I thought. "It never hurts to try and make amends."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What this person doesn't know is how he really helped me get acclimated with Chicago and making me feel part of the city. He truly was a great friend, and again, we sometimes don't know why things happen, and why friendships end. I tried to breach that gap. &nbsp;The dreams stopped after that encounter. <i>In my struggles this year, love and acceptance have been primary problem areas!</i> I think back to that Landmark Forum with my friend that night. The Forum director asked us to focus on a problem in your life. "I want love, but I'll never find it." That is the problem I focused on. The director then said, "replace 'but' with 'and.'" So, I focused again. "I want love, and it's out there." That's what I focused on. Lastly, she then said just focus on the first part of the sentence. "I want love." &nbsp;What does it take to get that? It doesn't become a problem anymore. It becomes a goal and a challenge. There is nothing wrong with hoping. Again, Therie, if you are reading, I'm strongly considering Landmark Forum on list of goals for 2017. Thank you. This might help me better explore my inner self!</div><br /><b>That's why I wrote this Letter from the Front</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDSuCSMsELI/WFtO8yQkBvI/AAAAAAABI7Q/Z7tUl8Zr6ygBI4TrijWg4oHF2kvQHdyYwCLcB/s1600/DSC_4695ip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDSuCSMsELI/WFtO8yQkBvI/AAAAAAABI7Q/Z7tUl8Zr6ygBI4TrijWg4oHF2kvQHdyYwCLcB/s640/DSC_4695ip.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My team at VelocityEHS</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Shamrock Club on Kinzie</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">In 2013, I set forth the "High Defintion Resolution." That was a great year to explore new areas of my life, internally and here in Chicago. What does 2017 hold for me? &nbsp;My theme this year was "A Letter from the Front." That letter is still being written. The chorus of that song states the battle is already won, however, the letter is still being written on the [battle] Front! The battle continues to wage internally and externally. What battleground can I cover in 2017. What new oppurtunities will come forth. Will I find that Grand Chicago Scheme finally? What does God hold for me and the lives I touch on a daily basis. God only knows. &nbsp;Yes, GOD only knows. Not some alien force! God is God. He has a Son. He conquered sin and death. He forgave me. What is my Destination? &nbsp;The Destination is There!</div><br /><i>I propose this song as my New Year's Theme for 2017. &nbsp;Thank you, Carman!</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8_HtRzp-tEw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8_HtRzp-tEw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br /><br /><b>Mementos in my letter..</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xH45z5uql6M/WGMtiXw7FeI/AAAAAAABJR8/lT6qDXYN0Y4u3rRs2ZGaJumIRYRCJ_iqgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0193ps_lrip-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xH45z5uql6M/WGMtiXw7FeI/AAAAAAABJR8/lT6qDXYN0Y4u3rRs2ZGaJumIRYRCJ_iqgCLcB/s640/DSC_0193ps_lrip-w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Daphne Gardens</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Northerly Island Chicago</span></div><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">January: IPsoft, career considerations. Where am I going here?</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">February: Chicago Auto Show and Chiditarod XI. IPsoft new department goal.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">March: Chicago River Dyeing and St. Patrick's Day Parade. Michael Lawrence and accountability</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">April: Adler's Front Yard, Solar Eclipse, and new friendships.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">May: A bittersweet end. Changes at IPsoft in my department.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">June: Struggling with my career!</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">July: SAN DIEGO WITH MY BROTHER!!</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">August: The last hurrah. Career change.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">September: VelocityEHS</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">October: Forget the birthday. November 15 is the day.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">November: Mom and Dad, my real family. The people that truly matter in my life</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">December: A Letter From the Front. The Destination is There.</span></i><br /><br /><i>Last year in 2015, I didn't pick a theme, but here were my 12 Moons in Photography.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HX7aUeoC0vg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HX7aUeoC0vg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br /><br /><b><i>13 Personal goals I achieved in 2016 -- with photos!</i></b><br /><br />1. I suffer with an auto-immune disease. I was able to get that under control this year. #SeeMeToKnow<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7QzlDLkWWI/WF7LociPa2I/AAAAAAABJDo/YtCJZUIADh44oG2SIEu-AfrqHDNJVo1uQCLcB/s1600/20161027_195604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7QzlDLkWWI/WF7LociPa2I/AAAAAAABJDo/YtCJZUIADh44oG2SIEu-AfrqHDNJVo1uQCLcB/s640/20161027_195604.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">As always even being a Chicago transplant, GO TRIBE!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>2. 50lbs of fat weight gone! Still losing. I'm at a weight I was last at in my early 20s. I've lost more weight, and have toned up a little more.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4w5jq0ZFwjA/WF7L7P6XCAI/AAAAAAABJDs/aXgR-UePtWgwrzr-2s3mYMpU2iih-zajACLcB/s1600/4483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4w5jq0ZFwjA/WF7L7P6XCAI/AAAAAAABJDs/aXgR-UePtWgwrzr-2s3mYMpU2iih-zajACLcB/s640/4483.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hanging with friends at Christkindlmarket</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My first year going to it here!</span></div><br />3. Diet and exercise! Eating healthier and exercising more.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fn6kPDvO4Ec/WF7dVI7er-I/AAAAAAABJFg/_uOvME-TQvQfoBx7c4pJ6_lqq-GGzFDYQCLcB/s1600/20160816_233629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fn6kPDvO4Ec/WF7dVI7er-I/AAAAAAABJFg/_uOvME-TQvQfoBx7c4pJ6_lqq-GGzFDYQCLcB/s640/20160816_233629.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">CTA Irving Park</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blue Line</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8LqFvEonvuk/WF7O4Kc-zuI/AAAAAAABJD4/eZa2-20OCNsjrcHmsx8W3HtoSANaI7DXACLcB/s1600/Screenshot_20160913-185813.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8LqFvEonvuk/WF7O4Kc-zuI/AAAAAAABJD4/eZa2-20OCNsjrcHmsx8W3HtoSANaI7DXACLcB/s640/Screenshot_20160913-185813.png" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Damen jig.</span></div><br /><i>4. San Diego vacation with my brother! Met new people there.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-liIfa0BiDUE/WF7f0yeGR4I/AAAAAAABJGM/2io4jkPBEoEcaXgjDx6s4pFqpZVJHQTkgCLcB/s1600/9719_lrbnfk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-liIfa0BiDUE/WF7f0yeGR4I/AAAAAAABJGM/2io4jkPBEoEcaXgjDx6s4pFqpZVJHQTkgCLcB/s640/9719_lrbnfk.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Maggie at the helm!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">San Diego Bay.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Df-i1gJt6uM/WF7PQ1aHwvI/AAAAAAABJD8/3t28fydADQgKYpB8vX5zRrrxX8wMekuaACLcB/s1600/DSC_1442_lrbfnk-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Df-i1gJt6uM/WF7PQ1aHwvI/AAAAAAABJD8/3t28fydADQgKYpB8vX5zRrrxX8wMekuaACLcB/s640/DSC_1442_lrbfnk-w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wayne, Paxton and cats.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">San Diego 2016</span></div><br /><i>5. I paid my car off. &nbsp;I financed the car in February 2011.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v5bjN5wTUNY/WF7dEFDt0yI/AAAAAAABJFc/KjNj8Q-nTbcBm25y2vEGnUs5jNgJxg4mQCLcB/s1600/20161003_104514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v5bjN5wTUNY/WF7dEFDt0yI/AAAAAAABJFc/KjNj8Q-nTbcBm25y2vEGnUs5jNgJxg4mQCLcB/s640/20161003_104514.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">In the line!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">City Parking in Chicago.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PYqt0WVhTyw/WF7PoUGk4pI/AAAAAAABJEE/yB6IxdGm6O0w_wxlDfFLL0PFAHB9J2c9gCLcB/s1600/20160611_150349_lr-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PYqt0WVhTyw/WF7PoUGk4pI/AAAAAAABJEE/yB6IxdGm6O0w_wxlDfFLL0PFAHB9J2c9gCLcB/s640/20160611_150349_lr-w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">LSD</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Po-G29FtvcQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Po-G29FtvcQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago Skyway to Irving Park, Chicago</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Returning home from Cleveland.</span></div><br /><i>6. For a time, I dated and had some intimacy in a relationship. &nbsp;I did not post her picture.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zfOXG4QtGyA/WF7fWK--leI/AAAAAAABJGI/m4bi1r2jyiIc8HUSl9RhjHK-wYunWSCSwCLcB/s1600/20161104_175246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zfOXG4QtGyA/WF7fWK--leI/AAAAAAABJGI/m4bi1r2jyiIc8HUSl9RhjHK-wYunWSCSwCLcB/s640/20161104_175246.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cleveland friends!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wasabi Hibachi</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Independence OH</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9RSa2DtSMA4/WF7QYxzDGUI/AAAAAAABJEM/SRGL9LqC-I8AdVANN9vr4-fVWGhp74mawCLcB/s1600/DSC_8001-HDR_lr-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9RSa2DtSMA4/WF7QYxzDGUI/AAAAAAABJEM/SRGL9LqC-I8AdVANN9vr4-fVWGhp74mawCLcB/s640/DSC_8001-HDR_lr-w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Working in the clouds.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">155 N. Wacker.</span></div><br /><i>7. More active this year. Outside the comfort zones.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vXqDH5DY6ZM/WF7QoYvNq2I/AAAAAAABJEQ/5dwxCFU0wUoDgx7BlwvsY_6S8zjmQzpugCLcB/s1600/20160604_151239%25280%2529_lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vXqDH5DY6ZM/WF7QoYvNq2I/AAAAAAABJEQ/5dwxCFU0wUoDgx7BlwvsY_6S8zjmQzpugCLcB/s640/20160604_151239%25280%2529_lr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"A Saturday afternoon in the Art Institutue with George."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt!</span></div><br /><i>8. NEW JOB! I am once again using the skills and experience I started in 2011 for the first time.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xwYelyTh2RQ/WF7fAna-szI/AAAAAAABJGA/Ksn9QTHl-v0u3f7rEnin2rGyW2ZJxjvkACLcB/s1600/DSC_5878ip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xwYelyTh2RQ/WF7fAna-szI/AAAAAAABJGA/Ksn9QTHl-v0u3f7rEnin2rGyW2ZJxjvkACLcB/s640/DSC_5878ip.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">CEO of VelocityEHS with co-workers.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T_D55OZwa3Y/WF7RHuKUC7I/AAAAAAABJEY/3KFhvqmwhF4B2ZoV1vSSsXrAhQ6HH61oACLcB/s1600/20161007_155105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T_D55OZwa3Y/WF7RHuKUC7I/AAAAAAABJEY/3KFhvqmwhF4B2ZoV1vSSsXrAhQ6HH61oACLcB/s640/20161007_155105.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Game! Yes! Ungh!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">VelocityEHS</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Merchandise Mart</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXvylPOUfEs/WF7jnUemGXI/AAAAAAABJGc/jPEov1DoN28v7yFn344-qzF3EAwlz-SPQCLcB/s1600/trains.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXvylPOUfEs/WF7jnUemGXI/AAAAAAABJGc/jPEov1DoN28v7yFn344-qzF3EAwlz-SPQCLcB/s400/trains.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The perils of commuting to work</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-623exCAsSGw/WF7jyOeZrGI/AAAAAAABJGg/XDHlaJvXLGwGTl6w1409AZ8N9gAAj9pHACLcB/s1600/20161020_171737-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-623exCAsSGw/WF7jyOeZrGI/AAAAAAABJGg/XDHlaJvXLGwGTl6w1409AZ8N9gAAj9pHACLcB/s640/20161020_171737-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Morning commute on Brown Line</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><i>9. This should be a goal every day, but putting others first.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ0dpLoFnrk/WF7dnaHEx2I/AAAAAAABJFk/7qC9VYD_JnExsqLdkuFbfzbBDy-uUY2QwCLcB/s1600/20160909_132005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ0dpLoFnrk/WF7dnaHEx2I/AAAAAAABJFk/7qC9VYD_JnExsqLdkuFbfzbBDy-uUY2QwCLcB/s640/20160909_132005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Out of the blue gifting!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It does happen!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvS7VIrYv6I/WF7V56C7syI/AAAAAAABJFM/guuUZxsLBQokp7xcEmRCzZs_DHbkqT-KACKgB/s1600/DSC_4892bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vvS7VIrYv6I/WF7V56C7syI/AAAAAAABJFM/guuUZxsLBQokp7xcEmRCzZs_DHbkqT-KACKgB/s640/DSC_4892bf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Keeping Warm!</span></div><br /><i>10. 1001 Things to See in Chicago before you Die. New people</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CbYSwdXoh1s/WF7Rn1QIamI/AAAAAAABJEk/6h_awL1nTQEcTxtMIW4PSeD69gFG9u4RACLcB/s1600/20161015_094830_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CbYSwdXoh1s/WF7Rn1QIamI/AAAAAAABJEk/6h_awL1nTQEcTxtMIW4PSeD69gFG9u4RACLcB/s640/20161015_094830_001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago Open House</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">October 2016</span></div><br /><i>11. Finally started having some of my photography framed.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8dPlWp7I0r0/WF7R4BI1OOI/AAAAAAABJEo/LRQIECtjCskJAgISoj2LsFi03igdczvhQCLcB/s1600/DSC_4285_lrip-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8dPlWp7I0r0/WF7R4BI1OOI/AAAAAAABJEo/LRQIECtjCskJAgISoj2LsFi03igdczvhQCLcB/s640/DSC_4285_lrip-w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">E. 9th Street, Cleveland OH</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gift for Mom and Dad.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eqT-sU1BQtg/WF7eDiCh-AI/AAAAAAABJFs/CgBF3KJCppg1CoQvSoKZCWa8-LpgOegDwCLcB/s1600/DSC_3709bcip_ps-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eqT-sU1BQtg/WF7eDiCh-AI/AAAAAAABJFs/CgBF3KJCppg1CoQvSoKZCWa8-LpgOegDwCLcB/s640/DSC_3709bcip_ps-w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sunday bloody moon day</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ping Tom Memorial Park</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chinatown, Chicago IL</span></div><i><br /></i><i>12. Got rid of some of the negative in my life; situations and/or people.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PLD3zn1hQ9Q/WF7SJws7_tI/AAAAAAABJEw/sGKU3NZ1hx8HpTA-qBcljGHJ1rqpkWyfgCLcB/s1600/20161015_103136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PLD3zn1hQ9Q/WF7SJws7_tI/AAAAAAABJEw/sGKU3NZ1hx8HpTA-qBcljGHJ1rqpkWyfgCLcB/s640/20161015_103136.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm the boss!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago City Hall</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicago Open House 2016</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzSkRiu-VOU/WIEIV-UYHAI/AAAAAAABKMk/UZ0aojplCvQOkWd8Jk8-kDKQCHEShwlnACLcB/s1600/nice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzSkRiu-VOU/WIEIV-UYHAI/AAAAAAABKMk/UZ0aojplCvQOkWd8Jk8-kDKQCHEShwlnACLcB/s1600/nice.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Never push a Nice person to their limits. &nbsp;I'm also Irish...</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNXAZUjy0YA/WF7eTLmJFjI/AAAAAAABJFw/gta6mnylw-wLbIYj--SwRI0jGGM6BbXNwCLcB/s1600/20160821_085741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNXAZUjy0YA/WF7eTLmJFjI/AAAAAAABJFw/gta6mnylw-wLbIYj--SwRI0jGGM6BbXNwCLcB/s640/20160821_085741.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We each carry a load! Make it happen!</span></div><br /><i>13. Being unique in my life. Not going with the crowd. Understanding and being kind to other people, but also, having my own beliefs and views. Not compromising any of my values to fit in or be a part of other's lives.</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--f0KWFS63Xs/WF7eiuqdbhI/AAAAAAABJF4/qW1rqFQKXEcbhVfMwVLU7QNHZiVHhRkegCLcB/s1600/20161011_080045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--f0KWFS63Xs/WF7eiuqdbhI/AAAAAAABJF4/qW1rqFQKXEcbhVfMwVLU7QNHZiVHhRkegCLcB/s640/20161011_080045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lawrence Avenue going to work in the morning!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3nKGFqtymOM/WF7SfpMns6I/AAAAAAABJE0/_LG59cLhCp0A9R-ryZUWBEzX-AgQqhJlgCLcB/s1600/DSC_3047_lr1ip-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3nKGFqtymOM/WF7SfpMns6I/AAAAAAABJE0/_LG59cLhCp0A9R-ryZUWBEzX-AgQqhJlgCLcB/s640/DSC_3047_lr1ip-w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chinese New Year's Parade</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chinatown, Chicago IL.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2016: Year of the Monkey.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ty0UsR8ucsg/WH7uXfr_nuI/AAAAAAABJ4k/lSaI48-cFSEP_P4tQSUxVy8WF4ObOkLrwCLcB/s1600/FB_IMG_1477919313969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ty0UsR8ucsg/WH7uXfr_nuI/AAAAAAABJ4k/lSaI48-cFSEP_P4tQSUxVy8WF4ObOkLrwCLcB/s640/FB_IMG_1477919313969.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Rich Kolar</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2016 Winning!</span></div><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>New Years' Themes</i></b><br /><br />2011: DIBS!<br />2012: Welcome home.<br />2013: A Resolution in High Definition.<br />2014: It's Time.<br />2015: Twelve Moons.<br />2016: A Letter from the Front.<br /><br /><b><i>The Destination is There.</i></b><br /><b><i>Theme for 2017</i></b><br /><br />2017 Goals. "The destination is there." Many of my friends are to thank for their encouragement and coming up with these goals!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-142T4pmCR08/WF4IKMLuFeI/AAAAAAABJBQ/dovV55u7wXos9ZNXU0CN1CbkqKIWwha6wCPcB/s1600/x-files-love-cengothic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-142T4pmCR08/WF4IKMLuFeI/AAAAAAABJBQ/dovV55u7wXos9ZNXU0CN1CbkqKIWwha6wCPcB/s640/x-files-love-cengothic.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />1. "Happy Now? Happy Later?" Happy Now! Todd, if you're reading this, you remember when you said to this me 10 years ago, and I said Happy Later? I'm making it a goal in 2017. I still don't know why to this day why you asked me this, but it has made me think about my own happiness lately. Thank you, <i>Todd E. Florian</i>.<br /><br />2. <a href="http://landmarkworldwidechicago.com/" target="_blank">Landmark Chicago</a>. I was introduced to this by a friend. I'm making this a goal next year. January 9th I'm going to register. I'm still finding my purpose here in Chicago.Thank you, <i>Therie Yi-Shin Lai</i>. That November 15th date has a special meaning for me, being my Chicago-versary, but I'm yet to find my place and purpose here.<br /><br />3. I want love and it's out there. Love and acceptance have been areas of my life I've battled with. Dating.<br /><br />4. More portrait photography in my portfolio next year. There is still a lot to learn. First item on my list to purchase is a lens with faster glass. Thank you, <i>James Baranski</i>.<br /><br />5. Build my faith stronger. Accountability. <a href="http://destinationchurch.org/" target="_blank">Destination Church</a> in Wrigleyville. Thank you, <i>Michael K. Lawrence II</i>.<br /><br />6. Continue on with the diet and exercise and maybe join a gym next year. So far, I've been doing stuff at home and getting off at Damen instead of Kimball for cardio (2 extra miles of walking). I'm at a weight I was at in my early 20s now. That's the first time I've been at this weight since.<br /><br />7. If there is one thing Chicago has taught me is resilience and a certain kind of stubbornness. So, continuing on to not be a door mat and have a little dignity is not a bad thing either. Thank you, <i>Karen Sobolewski</i> for always being supportive of my decisions and pointing me in a self-respectful lifestyle!<br /><br />8. Find a new home! Yep, as much as I like my neighborhood (Albany Park), the apartment I live in has several faults, including kids that don't care about other neighbors in the building.<br />9. Grace, mercy, kindness, generosity and charity. Continue to put friends first when the situation arises.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RQ4V-Ghn3nk/WF7T-LWjNoI/AAAAAAABJFA/jbz7ViHeiVgfw9gajkMCuq_L_fWxwNLqACKgB/s1600/20161223_121414.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RQ4V-Ghn3nk/WF7T-LWjNoI/AAAAAAABJFA/jbz7ViHeiVgfw9gajkMCuq_L_fWxwNLqACKgB/s640/20161223_121414.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Landmark Forum Chicago</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">December 13, 2016</span></div><br /><b>For 2017</b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I post this quote each year and watch the movie; I'm a fan of the original Jerry Lewis Nutty Professor not the remake with Eddie Murphy. 2016 was a tough year. A lot of challenges were faced by all of us. We lost a lot this year, but I discovered a lot too. Chicago has taught me a lot about people and myself. Good and bad. I've learned and rediscovered this year the real meaning of friendship and love. This is what I relearned this year. I've never gone with the crowd to try and fit in. I relearned this part of my life this year. So...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Take this into 2017. Strive to be yourself! Love is out there. Don't go with the crowd. The right people will find you and love you for you...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">".. And I think that the lesson that I learned came just in time. I don't want to be something that I'm not. I didn't like being someone else. At the same time I'm very glad I was cause I found out something that I never knew. You might as well like yourself. Just think about all the time you're going to have to spend with you. And if you don't think too much of yourself, how do you expect others to?"<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HayvYtGmcug/WGMtt_DDirI/AAAAAAABJSE/N1A4G_oQPtwFsNwh50DwxQpQa5QFHe0IACLcB/s1600/20151010_070217_lrip-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HayvYtGmcug/WGMtt_DDirI/AAAAAAABJSE/N1A4G_oQPtwFsNwh50DwxQpQa5QFHe0IACLcB/s640/20151010_070217_lrip-w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">IPsoft Sunrise</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">155 N. Wacker</span></div></div><br /><b>RIP 2016</b><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">David Bowie, 69, January 10.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Alan Rickman, 69, January 14.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Glenn Frey, 67, frontman and songwriter of the Eagles, January 18.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sir Terry Wogan, 77, January 31.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Harper Lee, 89, author of To Kill A Mockingbird, February 19.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Frank Kelly, 77, actor (Father Jack in comedy series Father Ted), February 28.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tony Warren, 79, creator of Coronation Street, March 1.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nancy Reagan, 94, actress and former U.S first lady, March 6.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sir George Martin, 90, Beatles producer, March 8.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Paul Daniels, 77, March 17.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ronnie Corbett, 85, comedy legend, March 31.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Denise Robertson, 83, vITV’s This Morning agony aunt, March 31.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Comedienne Victoria Wood died aged, 62, after losing her battle with cancer on April 20</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Douglas Wilmer, 96, actor best known for playing Sherlock Holmes, March 31.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Howard Marks, 70, drugs smuggler and author known as Mr Nice, April 10.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">David Gest, 62, reality TV star, music producer and former husband of Liza Minnelli, April 12.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sir Arnold Wesker, 83, playwright, April 12.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Victoria Wood, 62, April 20.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Prince, 57, pop legend, April 21.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Carla Lane, 87, TV writer best known for The Liver Birds, Bread and Butterflies, May 31.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Muhammad Ali, 74, boxing’s The Greatest, June 3.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dave Swarbrick, 75, folk musician and singer with Fairport Convention, June 3.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Anton Yelchin, 27, actor in Star Trek, June 19.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Caroline Aherne, 52, comedy genius behind The Royle Family and Mrs Merton, July 2.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ken Barrie, 83, the voice of Postman Pat, July 29.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kenny Baker, 81, actor who played R2 D2 in Star Wars films, August 13.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gene Wilder, 83, comedy actor famous for Willy Wonka and The Producers among many memorable roles, August 29.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jean Alexander, 90, former Coronation Street actress who, for more than 20 years, played Hilda Ogden, October 14.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gene Wilder, 83, comedy actor famous for playing Willy Wonka, died on August 29</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Raine Spencer, 87, the stepmother of Diana, Princess of Wales, October 21.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Richard Nicoll, 39, London-born Australian fashion designer to the stars, October 21.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jimmy Perry, 93, legendary TV screenwriter behind shows including Dad’s Army and It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, October 23.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pete Burns, 57, singer, songwriter and television personality who founded pop band Dead Or Alive, October 23.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sir Jimmy Young, 95, DJ and singer who hosted BBC radio programmes for half a century and interviewed Margaret Thatcher many times, November 7.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Leonard Cohen, 82, Canadian poet and singer-songwriter who penned the classic song Hallelujah, November 7.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Robert Vaughn, 83, actor famous for The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and latterly BBC’s Hustle and Coronation Street, November 11</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Craig Gill, 44, drummer of Madchester band Inspiral Carpets, November 22.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Andrew Sachs, 86, actor best-known as Spanish waiter Manuel in Fawlty Towers, November 23.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">George Michael, 53, died on December 25</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Keo Woolford, 49, actor who starred in The King And I in the West End with Elaine Paige and in the television remake of Hawaii Five-0, November 28.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Peter Vaughan, 93, actor who starred in Game Of Thrones and Porridge, December 6.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greg Lake, 69, rock superstar, December 8.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">A. A. Gill, 62, acerbic Sunday Times journalist, December 10.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Zsa Zsa Gabor, 99, much-married Hollywood actress and socialite, December 18.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rick Parfitt, 68, Status Quo guitarist, December 24.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">George Michael, 53, December 25.</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Liz Smith, 95, actress, December 26.&nbsp;</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Richard Adams, 96, December 27</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Carrie Fisher, 60, December 27</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Debbie Reynolds, 84, December 28</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eB3ah6nGhCM/WGSiwlFFX5I/AAAAAAABJTk/D6Ip8bzyiV0MxbOogo35P7tykBqPKDHrgCLcB/s1600/goals2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eB3ah6nGhCM/WGSiwlFFX5I/AAAAAAABJTk/D6Ip8bzyiV0MxbOogo35P7tykBqPKDHrgCLcB/s640/goals2017.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><i>***If you are reading this, I'll probably be going back to this to edit it and add more as I think about them. I'm still not done!</i><br /><br /><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RicChatham1013"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPP6SRT8mfY/URSDP7VGspI/AAAAAAAALO4/tkmLnmNM8s4/s1600/facebook-icon-25px.gif" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://plus.google.com/+EricChatham/"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eosiN9hkL1g/UwA97lziHzI/AAAAAAAAc_w/8mSg7Jb73LY/s1600/gplus-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://foursquare.com/user/29100101"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZmjRClf0XA/URSDWIlhFFI/AAAAAAAALPA/sDAblL-jdTc/s1600/foursquare-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ericrchatham"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LwcLDEwkQk/URSDdp6ss-I/AAAAAAAALPI/-aLb0I_PiFE/s1600/linked-icon-25px.gif" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.shekinya.net/"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7C2KjSQbMI/URSDkVeoieI/AAAAAAAALPQ/7BUwkwqwWII/s1600/shekinya-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/anelfinphile"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-euhpUUCymoM/URSDp6hhrqI/AAAAAAAALPY/FGYa3-Ml9AU/s1600/you-tube-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.sports-tracker.com/#/view_profile/echatham1013"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv3iS_Rf2Qc/URSIbJOWvYI/AAAAAAAALQQ/sljM9cUtrgs/s1600/sports-tracker-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.meetup.com/VentureAround/"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZcaiMdS57A/UXHteVWaJPI/AAAAAAAAOkA/xhbVgYpnHMI/s1600/meetupicon.png" /></a></td> </tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;;">Connect to me elsewhere at your own risk.</span></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;;">FOUNDATIONAL BLOGS</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: small;"><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-life-starts-at-water-tower-in-chicago.html">My Life starts at the Chicago Water Tower!</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/mark-0000-last-0-is-for-time-parameter.html">Mark 0, 0, 0, 0. The last 0 is for the time parameter</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/10/keeping-train-of-thought-and-keeping-on.html">Keeping a train of thought and keeping on track.</a></span>Eric Chathamhttps://plus.google.com/103180783527067419905noreply@blogger.com0Albany Park, Chicago, IL, USA41.9689723 -87.71972449999998441.9217483 -87.800405499999982 42.0161963 -87.639043499999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877632834855922254.post-53764403944996779062016-09-09T00:25:00.001-05:002018-01-07T13:09:18.294-06:00Merchandise Mart is next. Doors open on the right at Merchandise Mart.<div><b>2016 A Letter from the Front!</b><br /><b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Cool Runnings -- Peace be the journey.&nbsp;</i></b><span style="text-align: justify;">I recently bade farewell to a great group of guys on my shift! They truly were my family away from home for the 2 years I was with IPsoft. Parting with them will be difficult. As I transition into a new position soon (with a company in the Merchandise Mart, hence title ala brown line train conductor), my heart wanted to give back to those guys that helped me succeed with THEM! I'm one of those few that think like that. &nbsp;I chose the movie title, "Cool Runnings" for my farewell address specifically to my shift -- 2nd shift, that is. </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBLvgHQYg2c" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Watch the movie</a><span style="text-align: justify;">. The Jamaican bobsled team (which was based on true events) WAS MY SHIFT, all the way up to the end where they carried the broken sled across the finish line, and finished the race!!! That was the guys I worked with on my shift. We had our bad times, we had our good times, but when it came down to it in the end, we pulled together, even when things broke down and there was no hope, we picked it up and crossed the finish line!</span></div><br /><!--Foursquare check ins--> <br /><table border="0" cellspacing="12"> <tbody><tr valign="center"> <td align="center"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQyt028cGaQ/UH3tMuntAVI/AAAAAAAAEdI/JLvainxrbJE/s1600/iconfoursquare.png" /></td> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: large;"><u><a href="https://www.swarmapp.com/user/29100101/checkin/57d09890cd103b1593889dff" target="_blank">155 N Wacker Drive</a></u></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The Loop | Wednesday September 7, 2016 · 14:04</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td align="center"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: small;"><i>“Last day.”</i></span></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B18ent_kaJc/V9I8VUJ3bSI/AAAAAAABFpU/AzWk-LlgfmkJ5L7nLVy9_XSGK7X_kssMwCLcB/s1600/20150808_005748ce_ip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B18ent_kaJc/V9I8VUJ3bSI/AAAAAAABFpU/AzWk-LlgfmkJ5L7nLVy9_XSGK7X_kssMwCLcB/s640/20150808_005748ce_ip.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">PRAISE</span></b><br /><br />There is a story to to tell about a special laptop. In July 2015, I was awarded the Rockstar of Month award for great work and recognition. The award was a rock star and gift card. I don't do speeches very well but I made sure I thanked the people who placed a vote for me.</div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>Little did I know, but it didn't end there...</b></i><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In December 2015, I won Rockstar of the year award and that was done by unanimous and popular vote against all the chosen rockstars throughout the year. Whoa! I was awarded a Dell XPS 13 Laptop (Windows 10) for the prize. Again, very humbled, I thanked all those that voted for me, and yes, I was shocked. &nbsp;If you know me, you know that I am a private person and hate being recognized lol. That's why I blog!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DsjBC9F86pM/V9JAd6wE4TI/AAAAAAABFpo/3N5GzIRx40UHu2lMDAdkwz8sS2F-M2r4QCLcB/s1600/rockstar.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DsjBC9F86pM/V9JAd6wE4TI/AAAAAAABFpo/3N5GzIRx40UHu2lMDAdkwz8sS2F-M2r4QCLcB/s640/rockstar.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">PRICE</span></b><br /><br />After receiving the award, I took it home and made it a part of my home network and domain. There it remained for 9 months. In that time frame, I didn't really feel like the laptop belonged to me at all and that feeling was more intense after leaving IPsoft behind this month, so I battled and wrestled with my heart during my last couple weeks with IPsoft.</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"This laptop doesn't belong to you, Eric," my heart was telling me. "You need to give it back to the guys you worked really hard with, the guys that are your family, the guys that you succeeded with TOGETHER as a team! This was a team effort!"</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Ok, ok heart. I can't argue with you!</i>&nbsp;You know what's best. The laptop doesn't belong to me. So, out of the blue, I approached two guys on my shift, two guys that work hard and have not been recognized with a Rockstar award (well, yet), guys that are DESERVING, guys that, not only work hard, but express humility, meekness, honesty, kindness, sincerity, loyalty -- qualities that rarely get awarded and recognized. I found the two guys. &nbsp;<i>Aziz and Jocel, if you are reading, you guys are the best!!!</i>&nbsp;I approached them and told them my story about the laptop and how it doesn't belong to me. They both thought I was nuts at first, but once I told them you can't argue with the heart, they understood what that meant. You see, THOSE guys who express humility and meekness GET THAT PART!!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, the duel began...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>"I didn't know you can win a laptop from playing Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock."</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>"Well, in this case you can. &nbsp;Anything is possible."</i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FrvIhvhFzhw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FrvIhvhFzhw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rock, paper, scissors, lizard, Spock.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Aziz was the winner!!!!</i></b>&nbsp; Jocel and Aziz played a good game! The joy of awarding the laptop to him was overwhelming and my heart knew it was the right thing to do. I was at peace finally! The laptop went to a well-deserving teammate.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EVXrXycLYJc/V9JGxpmvOmI/AAAAAAABFqA/THJDPMQ-eIII2ZdeHVbzKiBP6ixaDMHEQCLcB/s1600/2599_lr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EVXrXycLYJc/V9JGxpmvOmI/AAAAAAABFqA/THJDPMQ-eIII2ZdeHVbzKiBP6ixaDMHEQCLcB/s640/2599_lr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">PRIZE</span></b><br /><i><b><br /></b></i><i><b>Little did I know then, but that wasn't the end...</b></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Aziz and Jocel both approached me and said they could not accept the award because THEIR hearts were saying the same thing my heart said. It was my last full day of work. Oh boy. How do you handle a war of giving hearts? I put my head down on the conference table in agony. "Guys, I can't take this back. It belongs to you," I told Aziz. &nbsp;Both Jocel and Aziz said it belongs to you. &nbsp;You won this and it wouldn't be right for either of us to accept it. By now, it was my last full day of work and the night was almost over. "Ok, I know what I'm going to do with this now. This doesn't belong to me guys. I pulled up my Facebook page on my phone and opened my friend, Karen's page. I opened a recent picture of both her daughters and pointed to the eldest daughter. "The laptop belongs to her!" &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">They both nodded. Jocel exclaimed. "You know that there is probably someone more deserving and in need of this than any of us."</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then, it hit me. "You are both right! It belongs to her," pointing at the picture with Karen's eldest daughter. At the time, I wasn't sure why I went directly to her picture and pointed to her eldest daughter, but I knew at the same time, it was the right thing. She had just began college and probably could use a nice laptop for her studies. So, the decision was final for all three of us (Me, Jocel and Aziz). It belongs to Karen's eldest daughter. The heart hath spake.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Little did we three know then,</i> but we were all on the same page and after I explained to them about some recent events that Karen's daughter went through (that I learned after I got home from work), we three were in utter awe! It was fate! It was settled. The laptop didn't belong to any of us at that point, and we all had a part to play in its story and journey. We knew then and there whom the prize was for!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, tomorrow, after I put Office and AV software on the laptop, it is getting shipped to Karen in Garfield Heights OH for her daughter. The heart hath spake. Listen to it. It knows the right thing and what to do. The laptop has a tale to tell. It had a journey through the depths of three hearts! It took three hearts to decide who this prize truly belongs to! Thank you gents!!! As I say farewell to these guys it will be hard. Photos capture one thing, but the heart captures another, and I will think back to the guys on my shift with fond memories...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ACtj9rbYUzY/V9MjF1OMfFI/AAAAAAABFrM/975PggYB828VGHFTj3GfSEVHGuiwwLFDgCKgB/s1600/20160909_151051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ACtj9rbYUzY/V9MjF1OMfFI/AAAAAAABFrM/975PggYB828VGHFTj3GfSEVHGuiwwLFDgCKgB/s320/20160909_151051.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><!--Foursquare check ins--> <br /><table border="0" cellspacing="12"> <tbody><tr valign="center"> <td align="center"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQyt028cGaQ/UH3tMuntAVI/AAAAAAAAEdI/JLvainxrbJE/s1600/iconfoursquare.png" /></td> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: large;"><u><a href="https://www.swarmapp.com/user/29100101/checkin/57d31704498e5d3e81262793" target="_blank">The UPS Store</a></u></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">North Park | Friday September 9, 2016 · 15:10</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td align="center"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: small;"><i>“Picking up. Dropping off.”</i></span></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>"Doors closing...</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>This is a brown line train to Kimball..."</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>And, in the words of the Unknown Pilsen Tagger in Chicago, <b>"Keep havin' a good day!"</b></i><br /><i><b><br /></b></i><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">**More about "Praise, price and prize" word etymologies, "</span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://blog.oup.com/2010/08/price-praise-prize/" target="_blank">The Price of Praise and Prizes, or Prizing up an Etymological Bottle</a>" by&nbsp;Anatoly Liberman</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SXmdEcebc6c/V9JGmuen7qI/AAAAAAABFp8/ThVzy4_Eg-cibiAmhSVtKI2Pf5ADfnH1ACLcB/s1600/2597_lrnfnk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SXmdEcebc6c/V9JGmuen7qI/AAAAAAABFp8/ThVzy4_Eg-cibiAmhSVtKI2Pf5ADfnH1ACLcB/s640/2597_lrnfnk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jocel and Aziz battling with Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard., Spock.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tsZLyg2buRQ/V9JGaU8AlTI/AAAAAAABFp4/ejkn92YmP0gvTg_07vK3_iLV-6YXJ_X1gCLcB/s1600/DSC_2553-HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tsZLyg2buRQ/V9JGaU8AlTI/AAAAAAABFp4/ejkn92YmP0gvTg_07vK3_iLV-6YXJ_X1gCLcB/s640/DSC_2553-HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Last IPsoft 2nd Shift Sunset at 155 N. Wacker.</span></div></div><br /><br /><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RicChatham1013"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPP6SRT8mfY/URSDP7VGspI/AAAAAAAALO4/tkmLnmNM8s4/s1600/facebook-icon-25px.gif" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://plus.google.com/+EricChatham/"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eosiN9hkL1g/UwA97lziHzI/AAAAAAAAc_w/8mSg7Jb73LY/s1600/gplus-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://foursquare.com/user/29100101"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZmjRClf0XA/URSDWIlhFFI/AAAAAAAALPA/sDAblL-jdTc/s1600/foursquare-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ericrchatham"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LwcLDEwkQk/URSDdp6ss-I/AAAAAAAALPI/-aLb0I_PiFE/s1600/linked-icon-25px.gif" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.shekinya.net/"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7C2KjSQbMI/URSDkVeoieI/AAAAAAAALPQ/7BUwkwqwWII/s1600/shekinya-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/anelfinphile"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-euhpUUCymoM/URSDp6hhrqI/AAAAAAAALPY/FGYa3-Ml9AU/s1600/you-tube-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.sports-tracker.com/#/view_profile/echatham1013"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv3iS_Rf2Qc/URSIbJOWvYI/AAAAAAAALQQ/sljM9cUtrgs/s1600/sports-tracker-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.meetup.com/VentureAround/"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZcaiMdS57A/UXHteVWaJPI/AAAAAAAAOkA/xhbVgYpnHMI/s1600/meetupicon.png" /></a></td> </tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;;">Connect to me elsewhere at your own risk.</span></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;;">FOUNDATIONAL BLOGS</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: small;"><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-life-starts-at-water-tower-in-chicago.html">My Life starts at the Chicago Water Tower!</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/mark-0000-last-0-is-for-time-parameter.html">Mark 0, 0, 0, 0. The last 0 is for the time parameter</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/10/keeping-train-of-thought-and-keeping-on.html">Keeping a train of thought and keeping on track.</a></span><br /><br />Eric Chathamhttps://plus.google.com/103180783527067419905noreply@blogger.com1Albany Park, Chicago, IL, USA41.9689723 -87.71972449999998441.9217483 -87.800405499999982 42.0161963 -87.639043499999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877632834855922254.post-163845039152638392015-10-21T03:13:00.000-05:002018-01-07T13:11:15.844-06:00Sunday Bloody Moon Day!<div style="text-align: justify;"><b>2015 Twelve Moons!</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RhOgScZF1yw/VicmsKdybuI/AAAAAAAA5mY/HPE3ZsuX5wQ/s1600/DSC_3709bcip_ps-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RhOgScZF1yw/VicmsKdybuI/AAAAAAAA5mY/HPE3ZsuX5wQ/s640/DSC_3709bcip_ps-w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ga8kUZJTHs/VidBXMAnHRI/AAAAAAAA5n8/1FZZEI7cXLc/s1600/logo1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="68" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ga8kUZJTHs/VidBXMAnHRI/AAAAAAAA5n8/1FZZEI7cXLc/s200/logo1.png" width="200" /></a></div><b><i>Hello Folks.&nbsp; </i></b>I haven't blogged in --- wow ---- forever, lol!&nbsp; It's been a busy year and this has been one of the greatest years I've had in over decade.&nbsp; 2013 was the other one!&nbsp; Life has been consumed by work, meetups, friends and family.&nbsp; Now, 2015 is nearing its end and I'm faced with that unequivocal feeling of not wanting this year to end!!!&nbsp; The other one like that was 2013.&nbsp; Where do I start with this blog?&nbsp; I left off with me moving to Albany Park last year in 2014.&nbsp; I still love it here in Chicago and in June, I moved to the Southside of Chicago..................in my apartment building.&nbsp; Yes, I moved up to the third floor and south end of my building.&nbsp; On January 13, I was hired at IPsoft in the Loop at 155 N. Wacker.&nbsp; I said farewell to 2 years of Diebold!&nbsp; I could not do another year of weekly trips to O'Hare.&nbsp; IPsoft is right downtown and I take the train to work now.&nbsp; Oh, what else has happened this year?&nbsp; How about tons of PHOTOGRAPHY!&nbsp; I now have my own website, which I host at home here.&nbsp; I've adopted this motto as my delight to photography: <a href="http://photography.shekinya.net/" target="_blank"><b><i>My Own Fame in My Own Frame!</i></b></a> Enjoy.&nbsp; I am still working on the site, and there is some latency with it opening -- thanks Comcast.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">On the site, you can find my "FOLIO" Page with various pictures I've taken this year.&nbsp; I DID A LOT THIS YEAR!&nbsp; I've gone back through my photo albums and I can see just how much I did this year and how many new friends I've met through something I LIKE to do: photography!</div><br /><i><b>Ssssoooooooooo.... </b></i><br />with this year nearly to a close, why did I now just pop out of the blue and decide to blog?&nbsp; I believe God has played a part in this.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Where my story begins!</b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>On September 27, 2015</i> in the northern and western hemisphere, we gazed into the final tetrad of Blood Moons.&nbsp; What a beautiful sight.&nbsp; Hopefully, most everyone of you were able to watch the moon go to blood one last time in a tetrad.&nbsp; In 2016, there will be another one and it will be visible from Israel.&nbsp; Fortunately, I was able to observe the moon eclipsing and turning to blood.&nbsp; It is a natural phenomena which is created by the sun hitting the Earth's atmosphere or Umbra.&nbsp; If you were dwelling on the moon when the Earth eclipsed the Sun, you would see a ring of fire around the Earth.&nbsp; This is the color that is cast onto the surface of the moon.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vctn_xHFBa4/VicpQu3PfiI/AAAAAAAA5mk/m9nNy5yE8tQ/s1600/DSC_0866_lrip-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vctn_xHFBa4/VicpQu3PfiI/AAAAAAAA5mk/m9nNy5yE8tQ/s640/DSC_0866_lrip-w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jlYxOWpZdvc/VicpcdMMQLI/AAAAAAAA5ms/sKDbf2c4_Ew/s1600/DSC_0898fx_lrip-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jlYxOWpZdvc/VicpcdMMQLI/AAAAAAAA5ms/sKDbf2c4_Ew/s640/DSC_0898fx_lrip-w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I was telling many friends that I hope I see the moon in its blood state.&nbsp; I hoped and hoped the sky would be clear before that day lol.&nbsp; I've never really witnessed any celestial phenonema always due to poor weather.&nbsp; I said to a few people, "...but I do remember seeing the Hale-Bop comet in 1997, when I lived in Brunswick OH."&nbsp; Fortunately, the sky was clear.&nbsp; The day started off cloudy, but it cleared up later.&nbsp; I was preparing my camera for this special day; I had my telephoto lens at the ready.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">During the unveiling of the Blood Moon, I was at the <a href="http://www.meetup.com/1001-Things-to-See-in-Chicago-Before-You-Die/events/224326310/" target="_blank">Chicago Full Moon Fire Jam</a> between Lawrence Ave and Foster Ave beaches in Chicago.&nbsp; Every full moon, this event occurs.&nbsp; It's a night of fire twirling, drum circle music and, of course, the full moon.&nbsp; This was also their last event of the year.&nbsp; This last one was special; we were paid a visit by the Blood Moon.&nbsp; Through the course of the evening, the moon appeared to us in "curtain calls."&nbsp; I say that because when the moon first rose over Lake Michigan, the clouds came in and veiled the moon.&nbsp; Just before the full eclipse around 20:50 CDT, the moon reappeared from the clouds as it was eclipsing.&nbsp; There were about 500 people at the Fire Jam, including people from a meetup group I host -- ala "1001 Things to See in Chicago before you Die."&nbsp; There was a loud roar and round of applause as that moon unveiled its face.&nbsp; Again, the clouds overtook the moon, but around 21:30, the curtains opened again and revealed a bloody moon.&nbsp; Again, the crowd cheered and applauded the moon as it shown its bloody face.&nbsp; It was a very ominous evening.<br /><br /><table align="center" border="2" cellspacing="22"> <tbody><tr> <td><a href="http://www.shekinya.net/pliagge/deletions.html"><img border="2" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5J2oiuOmn-w/UWYPaaR8AFI/AAAAAAAAOZk/rFv4sSORo6E/s1600/croc.gif" width="200" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"ERIC FAILING DELETIONS"</b></span><br /><br />«&nbsp; <script language="JavaScript"> TargetDate = "4/29/2012 4:59 AM UTC-0500"; BackColor = "corn"; ForeColor = "#2f4f4f"; CountActive = true; CountStepper = +1; LeadingZero = true; DisplayFormat = "%%D%% Days, %%H%% Hr, %%M%% Min, %%S%% Sec"; FinishMessage = "00 Days, 00 Hr, 00 Min, 01 Sec"; </script><span id="cntdwn" style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot;; font-size: small;"><script language="JavaScript" src="http://www.shekinya.net/pliagge/scripts/countdown.js"></script></span>&nbsp;» <br /><br /><span lang="RU" style="color: black;">Крокодилье время.</span><br /><span lang="RU" style="color: black;">Даже если крокодил съел вас у вас есть два выхода.</span></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>SHALOM!&nbsp; Sukkot 2015.</b></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>I don't expect everyone to agree with me on the next portion of this blog, but bear with me.&nbsp; Keep reading if you are daring..</i>. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whsywJWMTUU/VicsQh1SZxI/AAAAAAAA5m4/qIUWtdGXQPc/s1600/DSC_0928fx_lrxip-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whsywJWMTUU/VicsQh1SZxI/AAAAAAAA5m4/qIUWtdGXQPc/s640/DSC_0928fx_lrxip-w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iP5GV6wZRy4/VictiFrL4aI/AAAAAAAA5nE/Qtc7r-Y1Kbs/s1600/DSC_0943fx_lrip-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iP5GV6wZRy4/VictiFrL4aI/AAAAAAAA5nE/Qtc7r-Y1Kbs/s640/DSC_0943fx_lrip-w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/m4EnuU_5ye8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m4EnuU_5ye8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br /><table border="0" cellspacing="12"> <tbody><tr valign="center"> <td align="center"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQyt028cGaQ/UH3tMuntAVI/AAAAAAAAEdI/JLvainxrbJE/s1600/iconfoursquare.png" /></td> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: large;"><u><a href="https://foursquare.com/user/29100101/checkin/5608815d498e8b1687b13b1b" target="_blank">Full Moon Jam</a></u></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Sunday September 27, 2015 · 6:53 PM</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td align="center"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: small;"><i>“Sunday Bloody Moon Day!”</i></span></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What does it all mean?</b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"And I will show wonders in the heavens, and in the earth, blood and fire and pillars of smoke.&nbsp; The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of Jehovah."&nbsp; Joel 2:30 -31</i></span></div><i><br /></i><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious Day of the Lord." Acts 2:20</i></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">In the past year, we had four blood moons and they all coincided with Jewish high days.&nbsp; So, what does that mean? This last blood moon coincided with Sukkot (The Feast of Tabernacles).&nbsp; Being a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, I believe we are meant to watch and pay attention to Israel.&nbsp; I found this interesting from the Talmud: <i>"When the moon is in eclipse, it is a bad omen for Israel. If its face is as red as blood, (it is a sign that) the sword is coming to the world."</i> Therefore: Lunar Eclipse = bad omen for the Jewish people and Israel; Blood Moon = sword coming; Solar Eclipse = bad omen for the world.&nbsp;</div><br /><i>Friend of Israel, please read this article: <a href="http://www.pray4zion.org/thecomingbloodmoons.html" target="_blank">Pray 4 Zion - Blood Moon Prophecy </a></i><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u>Tetrad Total Lunar Eclipses (Red Blood Moons)</u></b><br /><br />• Passover: April 15, 2014 - Total eclipse visible in Australia, Pacific, Americas</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">• Tabernacles: October 8, 2014 - Total eclipse visible in Asia, Australia, Pacific, Americas<br />• Passover: April 4, 2015 - Total eclipse visible in Asia, Australia, Pacific, Americas</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">• Tabernacles: September 28, 2015 - Total eclipse visible in East Pacific, Americas, Europe, Africa, West Asia (visible from Jerusalem at moon-set)<br /><br /><u><b>Solar Eclipses</b></u><br /><br />• Adar 29/Nisan 1 (Jewish New Year for Kings - Beginning of the religious calendar): March 20-21, 2015 Total eclipse visible in Iceland, Europe, North Africa, North Asia<br />• Rosh Hashanah ( Feast of Trumpets) September 13, 2015 Partial eclipse visible in South Africa, South Indian, Antarctica</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The Hebrew word for SIGN is “owth,” meaning a signal, a warning, an omen is coming. The Hebrew word for SEASON is “moade” meaning a divinely appointed time, a holy convocation (Leviticus 23:4).</i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8XC-aAOHWA/VidI__j6qaI/AAAAAAAA5oM/MqDerJaO7KM/s1600/Blood-Moon-Tetrad-2014-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8XC-aAOHWA/VidI__j6qaI/AAAAAAAA5oM/MqDerJaO7KM/s320/Blood-Moon-Tetrad-2014-2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I don't want to be a doomsayer or anything, but beginning last year (before I even knew about the blood moons), on New Year's Eve of 2013, I felt a very deep, foreboding feeling of dread about the approaching year of 2014.&nbsp; In fact, if I look back at my blogs in January and February of 2014, I think I make mention of TIME, and running out of it. <i>This next section makes my blood run cold!&nbsp; Keep reading if you are daring...</i></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Coming Soon to a Hand or Forehead near you!</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uujdsl81_CE/VicwsqTWzSI/AAAAAAAA5nQ/hN7XvuxsNb0/s1600/dna_storage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uujdsl81_CE/VicwsqTWzSI/AAAAAAAA5nQ/hN7XvuxsNb0/s400/dna_storage.png" width="350" /></a></div><br /><table border="0" cellspacing="12"> <tbody><tr valign="center"> <td align="center"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQyt028cGaQ/UH3tMuntAVI/AAAAAAAAEdI/JLvainxrbJE/s1600/iconfoursquare.png" /></td> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: large;"><u><a href="https://foursquare.com/user/29100101/checkin/5608815d498e8b1687b13b1b" target="_blank">CTA - Kimball</a></u></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Wednesday September 30, 2015 · 1:17 PM</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td align="center"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: small;"><i>“Going to work!”</i></span></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Billy Graham was the one that said carry a Bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other.</i>&nbsp; Just days after the Super Blood Moon, I came across a reading that shook my soul.&nbsp; There is technology now nearly existent where we can now store valuable data information in our own DNA.&nbsp; Think about a world where a Human has an IP address and stores vital information about themselves in their own body.&nbsp; Yeah, sure we have chip implants now which monitor and keep "tabs" on people, but now the technology is evolving to a point where we can store "computer data" in our own cells.&nbsp; The technology is referred to DNA Storage.&nbsp; It's a foolproof technology.&nbsp; Chips can be tampered with and pulled out the body, but what about DNA Storage.&nbsp; It seems like it's irreversible.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">A friend of mine posted an article from Forbes on their Facebook wall.&nbsp; The headline <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/theopriestley/2015/09/22/why-every-human-will-have-an-ip-address-by-2025/?1442932321972=1" target="_blank">"What If Every Human Will Have An IP Address By 2025"</a> made my heart choke.&nbsp; I was on the CTA Brown Line somewhere near the Sedgwick Station on my way to work downtown Chicago when I saw this article.&nbsp; Funny how you know where you're at when your heart chokes.&nbsp; I read the article on the train ride and immediately forwarded the article to my mother in Cleveland for her to read and be advised.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Why the scare?</i>&nbsp; Think about this for a minute.&nbsp; I grew up loving Science Fiction, in a world with empahsis on the fiction.&nbsp; Think about every human having a "mark" in them.&nbsp; Think of a central computer or device where all the information on you is stored.&nbsp; Think of a cashless and cardless society.&nbsp; Think of the "advantages" of DNA Storage.&nbsp; Think of a being connected to this "network" of humans and the central computer with a Human IP Address, your ID.&nbsp; St. John wrote this next text from his exile on the island of Patmos as early as possibly 70 AD before the destruction of Jerusalem.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six." Revelation 13:16-18.</i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q565fbua9PQ/Vic60trQfsI/AAAAAAAA5ns/zNQbDGBoFlc/s1600/DSC_1284ps_ip-w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q565fbua9PQ/Vic60trQfsI/AAAAAAAA5ns/zNQbDGBoFlc/s640/DSC_1284ps_ip-w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>See where this is going? The Bible is not Science Fiction!</i>&nbsp; I believe in this; I also do believe in a Zombie Apocalypse. It's mentioned in the Bible.&nbsp; What can this mark possibly be?&nbsp; It might serve as in "access point" for a cable to do data transfer between you and an apparatus, some computer or interface of some sort.&nbsp; If you are a Christian and reading this, please pray!&nbsp; I have battled this in my very being.&nbsp; If you believe in a pre-tribulational Rapture, I would strongly pray about this -- you may face a decision to receiving this "technology" before the Lord's return!&nbsp; I don't believe a Rapture is going to happen before this technology comes to power.&nbsp; Will I receive the technology if it is required.&nbsp; I say NO, but this is a very toughly decided NO.&nbsp; I'm praying about this.&nbsp; This "soul battle" has opened my eyes to several things, including learning how to properly use a firearm, and moving out of the city.&nbsp; I believe, one, I should learn how to properly use Firearm for one main reason, SURVIVAL!&nbsp; If things continue on this path, one day this "technology" will be required at the expense of one's life or in this case, their Faith in Jesus Christ.&nbsp; Believer, ask yourself, "Would you take the mark?"&nbsp; Think about the consequences.&nbsp; Think about the hardships.&nbsp; Think about the persecution.&nbsp; It's all there.&nbsp; Christianity is not a very popular faith in this country anymore.&nbsp; Look around at a society breakdown of Judaeo-Christian values all around.&nbsp; When I mean Christianity, I mean THOSE who truly believe and who have given their hearts to Christ!&nbsp; There are few.&nbsp; <i>People can say they go to McDonald's but that doesn't make them a Big Mac. Bear that in mind!</i></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"The evolution of wearable technology points to devices and chips which will be embedded by 2025, rather than worn explicitly. If a single chip is embedded within the human body, then in theory every human would become a hub or a node, addressable and traceable within the larger IoT ecosystem and every owned device assigned to that Human IP address. Your ‘”social graph” will become more valuable to the government than your social security or NIS number and it’ll supersede these eventually."</i></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WxSzutUpKUY/Vic5ieoTvCI/AAAAAAAA5ng/zs5igCaUq_w/s1600/Now-blend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WxSzutUpKUY/Vic5ieoTvCI/AAAAAAAA5ng/zs5igCaUq_w/s400/Now-blend.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I urge Christians to pray about this and keep their faith in Jesus Christ!&nbsp; Receiving this "technology" is saying no to Him! How does this relate to a Blood Moon?&nbsp; Watch Israel!&nbsp; Remember, according to Jewish Talmud, it states a Blood Moon represents a sword coming to the world.&nbsp; Never have we been nearer to a time of signs and wonders as now.&nbsp; God is speaking!&nbsp; He uses his people, the Jewish people to show us where we are at in the Times. WATCH ISRAEL in these days ahead.&nbsp; There have been 7 tetrads of Blood Moons since the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Seek Christ today!&nbsp; In your heart, ask yourself this?&nbsp; Would I receive the "mark" or receive Him?&nbsp; Truly pray about it!&nbsp; The day of that decision is approaching!&nbsp; We are living a time of signs and wonders!&nbsp; WATCH ISRAEL!&nbsp; Christians form a very special spiritual bond to the Jewish people!</div><div style="text-align: justify;">-----------------------------</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yeah, reading this, you all may think I'm off my gourd, but I really felt compelled to compose this blog!&nbsp; I would not want any of my friends or family to receive the mark of the beast.&nbsp; Fill your heart with Jesus.&nbsp; <i><b>Now is the Time...because tomorrow is not promised to you.</b></i><br /><br /><i><b>I urge you to believe His Word.</b></i><br /><br /><i><b>"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16&nbsp;</b></i><br /><i><b><br /></b></i><i><b><br /></b></i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>IN OTHER NEWS...</b></span><br /><i><b><br /></b></i><i><b>NASA’s Kepler Telescope Discovers a Colossal Artificial Structure Orbiting a Star in Our Vicinity</b></i><br /><i><b><br /></b></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-929Ki2KfCto/VidViORpe8I/AAAAAAAA5oc/7rjFDiF9eGM/s1600/kepler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-929Ki2KfCto/VidViORpe8I/AAAAAAAA5oc/7rjFDiF9eGM/s640/kepler.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i><b><br /></b></i><i><b></b></i><br /><i><b>October 15, 2015 -- </b>"<a href="http://ufoholic.com/nasas-kepler-telescope-discovers-a-colossal-artificial-structure-orbiting-a-star-in-our-vicinity/" target="_blank">NASA’s Kepler Telescope</a> has stumbled upon one of the most fascinating discoveries so far – a colossal artificial megastructure believed to have been constructed by an advanced alien civilization.&nbsp; Besides Kepler’s ability of finding small, rocky worlds orbiting distant stars, it can also detect different space phenomenon like stellar flares, star spots and dusty planetary rings."</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><i><b>A Happy ending. The New Jerusalem spotted.</b></i><br /><br /><i><b>The Book of Revelation ends like this...</b></i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pXGLBGR1YAo/VidX4fUPJCI/AAAAAAAA5oo/WcZwa_HGegk/s1600/new_jerusalem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pXGLBGR1YAo/VidX4fUPJCI/AAAAAAAA5oo/WcZwa_HGegk/s320/new_jerusalem.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i>"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." Revelation 21:1, 2.<b><br /></b></i><br /><i><b></b></i></div><br /><hr /><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQyt028cGaQ/UH3tMuntAVI/AAAAAAAAEdI/JLvainxrbJE/s1600/iconfoursquare.png" /></td> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: large;"><a href="https://foursquare.com/" target="_blank">Foursquare</a></span></td> </tr></tbody> </table><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: small;">Can't see my check-ins?<br />Log into Foursquare and add me as a "friend" to see the details.</span></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RicChatham1013"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPP6SRT8mfY/URSDP7VGspI/AAAAAAAALO4/tkmLnmNM8s4/s1600/facebook-icon-25px.gif" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://plus.google.com/+EricChatham/"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eosiN9hkL1g/UwA97lziHzI/AAAAAAAAc_w/8mSg7Jb73LY/s1600/gplus-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://foursquare.com/user/29100101"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZmjRClf0XA/URSDWIlhFFI/AAAAAAAALPA/sDAblL-jdTc/s1600/foursquare-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ericrchatham"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LwcLDEwkQk/URSDdp6ss-I/AAAAAAAALPI/-aLb0I_PiFE/s1600/linked-icon-25px.gif" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.shekinya.net/"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7C2KjSQbMI/URSDkVeoieI/AAAAAAAALPQ/7BUwkwqwWII/s1600/shekinya-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/anelfinphile"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-euhpUUCymoM/URSDp6hhrqI/AAAAAAAALPY/FGYa3-Ml9AU/s1600/you-tube-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.sports-tracker.com/#/view_profile/echatham1013"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv3iS_Rf2Qc/URSIbJOWvYI/AAAAAAAALQQ/sljM9cUtrgs/s1600/sports-tracker-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.meetup.com/VentureAround/"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZcaiMdS57A/UXHteVWaJPI/AAAAAAAAOkA/xhbVgYpnHMI/s1600/meetupicon.png" /></a></td> </tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;;">Connect to me elsewhere at your own risk.</span></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;;">FOUNDATIONAL BLOGS</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: small;"><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-life-starts-at-water-tower-in-chicago.html">My Life starts at the Chicago Water Tower!</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/mark-0000-last-0-is-for-time-parameter.html">Mark 0, 0, 0, 0. The last 0 is for the time parameter</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/10/keeping-train-of-thought-and-keeping-on.html">Keeping a train of thought and keeping on track.</a></span><br /><br />Eric Chathamhttps://plus.google.com/103180783527067419905noreply@blogger.com0Albany Park, Chicago, IL, USA41.9689788 -87.71971050000001941.9217548 -87.800391500000018 42.0162028 -87.639029500000021tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877632834855922254.post-8106682936891178852014-07-03T19:04:00.003-05:002014-07-03T21:31:25.993-05:00One last time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kXhsU7vMd6g/U7SFBLmRUmI/AAAAAAAAj2s/ru6hgxW7K2k/s1600/raspberry-chicago-blog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kXhsU7vMd6g/U7SFBLmRUmI/AAAAAAAAj2s/ru6hgxW7K2k/s1600/raspberry-chicago-blog.png" height="374" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>HOME AT LAST</b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It’s been a long, busy spring for me; I figured I’d do a Newsletter this time around since I’ve had no time to do any blogging lately.&nbsp; With traveling for work and moving into Chicago, it’s kept me on my toes.&nbsp; On March 17, I used that week to move to Chicago.&nbsp; I moved from the Chicago suburbs into Albany Park on the Northside.&nbsp; I was given a week off from work to make the move.&nbsp; For work, the Systems Engineer role I’ve been positioned in for Diebold was incorporated with more travel.&nbsp; Recently I was just “promoted” to a Regional SE role for the Midwest Region.&nbsp; Yeay, more work.&nbsp; Key SEs have been used for travel as Diebold roles out its Agilis 3/Win 7 platform. Agilis is the ATM application that sits on top of the Windows platform.&nbsp; In April of this year, support on Windows XP ended with Microsoft which increased our work volume to push for the A3/Win7 upgrades!&nbsp; This has proved to be a very challenging part of my job, especially with all the traveling.&nbsp; I don’t sleep in hotels!&nbsp; I just don’t.&nbsp; It is hard!&nbsp; Be that as it may, it is nice to get out and see different parts of our country in the interim.&nbsp; Chicago has been a positive change in my life.&nbsp; Meeting new friends here has really been the key!&nbsp; I now live between Pulaski and Kedzie to the west, and a block north from Lawrence Avenue.&nbsp; Irving Park is to my south; North Park and Skokie IL are to my north; Lincoln Square and Ravenswood are to my east; and, Jefferson Park, Mayfair and O’Hare are to my west.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIsl6kJUP0o?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"Meet Me In A House Of Love"</b><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">[Verse 1]</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">♫ ♪ Don't shed your tears</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Just meet me in a house of love</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">You know when you're there because the colors just soak you up</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Once I was lost but in this house I can be found</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Feel like the sun, we're rising and we won't come down</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">[Chorus]</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Into to the night</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Into forever</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Let's come together like the brightest stars</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Into to the night</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Into forever</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Let's come together like the brightest stars</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">[Verse 2]</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">It's cold in the street</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">But we can build a house of love</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">We hold up the walls, the lovers in the yearning hearts</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Once I was lost but in this house I can be found</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Feel like the sun, we're rising and we won't come down</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">[Chorus]</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Into to the night</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Into forever</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Let's come together like the brightest stars</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Into to the night</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Into forever</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Let's come together like the brightest stars</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">[Breakdown]</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Into the hands</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Into the night</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Into the sunrise</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Into my life</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Into my hands</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Through the night</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Into the sunrise</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">And the rest of our lives</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">I'm movin up now</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">We built this house together</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Inside the four walls, we're gonna live together</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Together [x8]</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">Into the night, into forever</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Lets come together, like the brightest stars</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Into the night, into forever</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">Lets come together, like the brightest stars</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">Come out into the light ♪ ♫</span></i><br /><br /></div><br /><table align="center" border="2" cellspacing="22"> <tbody><tr> <td><a href="http://www.shekinya.net/pliagge/deletions.html"><img border="2" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5J2oiuOmn-w/UWYPaaR8AFI/AAAAAAAAOZk/rFv4sSORo6E/s1600/croc.gif" width="200" /></a></td> <td><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"ERIC FAILING DELETIONS"</b></span><br /><br />«&nbsp; <script language="JavaScript"> TargetDate = "4/29/2012 4:59 AM UTC-0500"; BackColor = "corn"; ForeColor = "#2f4f4f"; CountActive = true; CountStepper = +1; LeadingZero = true; DisplayFormat = "%%D%% Days, %%H%% Hr, %%M%% Min, %%S%% Sec"; FinishMessage = "00 Days, 00 Hr, 00 Min, 01 Sec"; </script><span id="cntdwn" style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: small;"><script language="JavaScript" src="http://www.shekinya.net/pliagge/scripts/countdown.js"></script></span>&nbsp;» <br /><br /><span lang="RU" style="color: black;">Крокодилье время.</span><br /><span lang="RU" style="color: black;">Даже если крокодил съел вас у вас есть два выхода.</span></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>THE VIA DRACO ARGENTEUS (Home on N. Drake Avenue)</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qP4WpO8us0/U7SQmi2EsRI/AAAAAAAAj24/RpRDTzROG5g/s1600/chicago_night-marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qP4WpO8us0/U7SQmi2EsRI/AAAAAAAAj24/RpRDTzROG5g/s1600/chicago_night-marked.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">You are here!</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">After moving in, I quickly started learning the CTA and use of the Trains and busses here in the city as opposed to driving.&nbsp; My Ventra CTA Card has been used a lot since moving here, lo.&nbsp; I’m finding that the only time I’m driving now is to go out to the ‘burbs for work or other things that I still have out there.&nbsp; I live near the Kimball Brown Line terminal.&nbsp; Kimball is the end of the line.&nbsp; It’s a short walk there. I’ve had a friend here that is helping me out learning the busses and trains.&nbsp; He’s a Chicago native and has so much insight to this city.&nbsp; He’s the one who started the Chicago meetup, Venture Around.&nbsp; Actually, he and his girlfriend are now my neighbors here in Albany Park.&nbsp; Learning the trains, I find myself using my CTA card more now to get around the city.&nbsp; It’s easier to get downtown now using the Brown Line ala Loop.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGn7OQPcigo/U7SRkbpERHI/AAAAAAAAj3A/Wv792fnEsEs/s1600/20140531_081730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGn7OQPcigo/U7SRkbpERHI/AAAAAAAAj3A/Wv792fnEsEs/s1600/20140531_081730.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Waiting with me at the Damen Brown Line stop, I boarded the train with two pigeons.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69jmBUPEjKg/U7SR9xqROtI/AAAAAAAAj3I/C0i0n5J8ryc/s1600/20140609_165614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69jmBUPEjKg/U7SR9xqROtI/AAAAAAAAj3I/C0i0n5J8ryc/s1600/20140609_165614.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Waiting for Brown Line to Kimball at Clark and Lake in the Loop.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ELZmw8qm-Nk/U7SSYgx-B2I/AAAAAAAAj3Q/VsGUkMRMNjI/s1600/20140504_184812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ELZmw8qm-Nk/U7SSYgx-B2I/AAAAAAAAj3Q/VsGUkMRMNjI/s1600/20140504_184812.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Irving Park Road Brown Line 'L platform.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NgABscbtQVE/U7SS6IFmDRI/AAAAAAAAj3Y/2yqnscIDkt4/s1600/20140503_183826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NgABscbtQVE/U7SS6IFmDRI/AAAAAAAAj3Y/2yqnscIDkt4/s1600/20140503_183826.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Crossing the Chicago River on the Brown Line over Wells Street. “Next stop, Merchandise Mart.”</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bxeDrR9kySw/U7SThpKNBqI/AAAAAAAAj3g/gjK2Ctb9MSQ/s1600/20140609_165904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bxeDrR9kySw/U7SThpKNBqI/AAAAAAAAj3g/gjK2Ctb9MSQ/s1600/20140609_165904.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Surprisingly, my new street seems pretty quiet.&nbsp; I’ll hear the occasional police car go down Lawrence.&nbsp; I’ve seen the fire truck two times on my street.&nbsp; One thing I am really trying to get used to is the parking conundrum.&nbsp; There is limited parking on my street and there are no driveways.&nbsp; Everyone parks in the street out front or in the alley behind the apartment building.&nbsp; Unfortunately, parking in the alley is pricey, so I’m limited to the street.&nbsp; A few things I’ve seen when I parallel park: 1. People leave too much space between their cars.&nbsp; It’s fortunate that the Honda is SMALL and it makes it easier to park.&nbsp; The Ford on the other hand is bigger.&nbsp; I’ve seen the distance that some people leave in between their cars and it’s ridiculous, because that leads to the next problem.&nbsp; 2. There is no assigned parking, so if you get home late from work, you’re the unfortunate person that has to park somewhere in BFE.&nbsp; I had to explain to my Mom where that was, and no, it wasn’t St. Louis Avenue, Ainslie Street or Central Park Avenue, lol.&nbsp; BFE. 3. There is a yellow area marked in front of the fire hydrants.&nbsp; Park closer to the end of the yellow strip, and the same goes for the handicapped zone.&nbsp; That’s happened often.&nbsp; A few times, I had to park a couple blocks away in a different permit zone.&nbsp; I have parking permits for both vehicles and they are assigned a permit zone for parking.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Friends are nearby now, and it is easier to walk to places than drive.&nbsp; When I first moved to the area, I was unsure where to move to, but making new friends, I learned quickly where that would be.&nbsp; Based on the activities I did last year, I chose Northside for home.&nbsp; It’s hard to believe that beginning April 13, 2012, I’ve now been a resident of Chicago, Illinois.&nbsp; Time moves quickly.&nbsp; Moving to the area, I started finding things to do in the city and I wanted to make it a point to break out of that “anti-social shell” I lived in for so long.&nbsp; I have no one but myself to credit.&nbsp; It took me to make that change! 2013 was probably one of the best years ever.&nbsp; 2014 is still in the making but I need to stop comparing my success from last year and make new memories this year.&nbsp; Back in July 2012, I latched onto Jill Jackson’s “Mingle Around Chicago” but it also where I met my first friend unknowingly.&nbsp; It is also where the meetup Venture Around had its origin.&nbsp; Having latched onto my first meetups, I quickly got involved with activities.&nbsp; That gave birth to an exciting 2013.&nbsp; I did the ultimate “venture around” event when I finally moved into Chicago in March 2014.&nbsp; Those friends I met at the meetup gatherings are now my neighbors!&nbsp; After hearing everyone in the meetups say, “YOU HAVE TO MOVE TO CHICAGO,” I finally did just that.&nbsp; Not because they pressured me into it, but because I wanted to make that change and take that step into something different, the ultimate “venture around” event for me.&nbsp; Moving from Darien IL to Albany Park, Chicago, I’ve still been changing my attitude on life, that Illinoid Attitude I was working to achieve for myself when I first moved to the area in 2012.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I’ve met some of my neighbors in my building, but not everyone yet.&nbsp; Everyone in my building is brand new since the complex is newly gutted and refurbished.&nbsp; I just recently had my AC connected.&nbsp; For the most part, it’s a nice apartment, but most of all, I HAVE MY OWN WASHER AND DRYER NOW!&nbsp; No more countless hours waiting for a washer and dryer when doing my laundry.&nbsp; No more weekly trips to the laundry mat.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I recently learned (and it’s on Wikipedia) but Albany Park has been classified as the most diverse neighborhood in the United States.&nbsp; Very interesting and walking up and down the streets, you can definitely see it.&nbsp; There is high Hispanic class in the area, but seemingly, people keep to themselves, and you can see the diversity.&nbsp; At one time, Albany Park hosted a vast Korean population and now you know why Lawrence Avenue is dubbed Seoul Drive!&nbsp; There are several shops on the road that remain Korean even now.&nbsp; On top of that, I think Lawrence Avenue hosted “street cars” at one time, because driving on a portion of the road, I saw an exposed rail in a chuck hole.&nbsp; Walking up and down the streets, you get a few friendly faces that pass by you while walking.&nbsp; Exploring the area, I was surprised to find (with the help of Kurt) several scenic parks with nature trails!!!&nbsp; Yes, right here in Chicago!!!&nbsp; Lawrence Avenue hosts a variety of shops and there are a few farmers’ markets too.&nbsp; Again, Kimball station is right there too, so it’s easy to get around other parts of Chicago.&nbsp; As I mentioned, I’ve been using the busses and have learned quite a few of them now in the area.&nbsp; The same goes for the “L” trains and their transfer points.&nbsp; Again, thank you to new friends helping me out and getting me around learning the city.&nbsp; It has made living here so awesome!!!&nbsp; Actually having learned some of the history behind some of the street names has been interesting and, no, Kimball has nothing to do with Richard Kimble from The Fugitive! Lol!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4UJNafgjyRU/U7SUMT3y17I/AAAAAAAAj3o/rHO8XnusKMM/s1600/20140524_111911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4UJNafgjyRU/U7SUMT3y17I/AAAAAAAAj3o/rHO8XnusKMM/s1600/20140524_111911.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">N. Drake Avenue, my street, looking towards Lawrence.&nbsp; My Honda and Diebold’s Ford neatly, parallel parked.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Md03jcxJsAg/U7SUz5j_KSI/AAAAAAAAj3w/D-G2Be8WLm4/s1600/20140524_112014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Md03jcxJsAg/U7SUz5j_KSI/AAAAAAAAj3w/D-G2Be8WLm4/s1600/20140524_112014.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My apartment building.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1gx7EJ_Wgo/U7SVRsTIgmI/AAAAAAAAj38/Ns97G2puaxk/s1600/20140509_184029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1gx7EJ_Wgo/U7SVRsTIgmI/AAAAAAAAj38/Ns97G2puaxk/s1600/20140509_184029.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Facing south towards Lawrence Avenue.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F-o_fh2oj_Q/U7SVQvpBs1I/AAAAAAAAj34/PlI_xcb01AA/s1600/20140509_184149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F-o_fh2oj_Q/U7SVQvpBs1I/AAAAAAAAj34/PlI_xcb01AA/s1600/20140509_184149.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;Corner of N. Drake and W. Ainslie.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfli9T4qCuQ/U7SVhVPQyOI/AAAAAAAAj4I/pLvk5eA2Bl4/s1600/20140411_090338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfli9T4qCuQ/U7SVhVPQyOI/AAAAAAAAj4I/pLvk5eA2Bl4/s1600/20140411_090338.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;My living room in the early morning!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FeM5WiiFvWA/U7SVu3Q6duI/AAAAAAAAj4Q/6HGF9G8bUe4/s1600/20140322_195910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FeM5WiiFvWA/U7SVu3Q6duI/AAAAAAAAj4Q/6HGF9G8bUe4/s1600/20140322_195910.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My new neighbors: Kurt, Sue and Hank helping me unpack in March.&nbsp; Hank did all the unpacking.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cxiFq4-fJMg/U7SWHLLDl0I/AAAAAAAAj4Y/0agChlIKc0w/s1600/20140503_193901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cxiFq4-fJMg/U7SWHLLDl0I/AAAAAAAAj4Y/0agChlIKc0w/s1600/20140503_193901.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJ6iXKQxz4M/U7SWThOlfUI/AAAAAAAAj4g/Kv1Lzh4Qc7E/s1600/20140426_190458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJ6iXKQxz4M/U7SWThOlfUI/AAAAAAAAj4g/Kv1Lzh4Qc7E/s1600/20140426_190458.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">BBQing on my back porch!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4l4kjrFhIrU/U7SWyNA_ppI/AAAAAAAAj4o/qjioZNKHxbM/s1600/20140602_193545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4l4kjrFhIrU/U7SWyNA_ppI/AAAAAAAAj4o/qjioZNKHxbM/s1600/20140602_193545.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A beautiful sunset over Lawrence Avenue near home. Mayfair at W. Lawrence/N. Elston.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>WE ARE EXPLORERS!</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/h2deOnkx2fA?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<b>"We Are Explorers"</b><i><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">♪♫ [Verse 1]<br />Can you tell me a story<br />From the end of the night<br />Girl you tell to break the ice<br />And the love will go fine<br />Can you tell me you think straight<br />Plot a course in the landscape<br />Just tell me you're fine<br /><br />[Chorus]<br />We are the people<br />We are here alone<br />We are explorers when beat goes on<br />We're on a journey to the morning sun<br />To-geth-er<br /><br />[Verse 2]<br />Got a face for the frontpage<br />You should join me sometime<br />I wanna dream up a new age<br />If the planets align<br />With a hunger for never<br />Windows stretching forever<br />Just tell me your fine<br /><br />[Chorus]<br />We are the people<br />We are here alone<br />We are explorers when beat goes on<br />We're on a journey to the morning sun<br />Together<br /><br />[Verse 3]<br />You'll get through with a little love<br />Just you wait and see<br />You'll get through with a little love<br />Just you wait and see<br /><br />[Breakdown x4]<br />Keep my hands up pointing to the sky<br />Until the daylight comes, into our minds to rescue us<br /><br />[Chorus]</span></i> ♫♪</div><br />Living right in the city is proving to be not as bad as I thought it would be.&nbsp; I LOVE IT so far and with new friends, it’s helped me get out more, do things in the city, see things, do meetups, and enjoy a change in my life again.&nbsp; Having lived in the ‘burbs most of my life, living in the city has new challenges, a new way looking at life, and new ideas.&nbsp; I still drive out to Schaumburg to Diebold’s main office, drive to O’Hare for work, or more recently, Rosemont IL, for work at Wintrust, which provides service to several Chicago based bank charters.&nbsp; This is a big account with Diebold and they will be introducing Mobile Cash.&nbsp; Since I live here, I’m now the primary Systems Engineer on the project.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">In April, I started attending a new church within walking distance of my apartment, just a few blocks south of me.&nbsp; New Life Christian of Albany Park.&nbsp; The services are really uplifting and I still have made it my mind to get involved with the church and find ways to help out.&nbsp; There is plenty to do.&nbsp; The church hosts three congregations: A Latino Service, A Lutheran Service and finally New Life.&nbsp; The times are all set on Sunday.&nbsp; New Life has many neighboring “small life groups” around the city.&nbsp; I’m still trying to get involved with one.&nbsp; While Chicago may be my temporary home, I need to focus on that Heaven is my eternal home!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V3nxhCbN7Kk/U7SXXn2ZIoI/AAAAAAAAj44/jFbseFjwpKs/s1600/20140504_102159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V3nxhCbN7Kk/U7SXXn2ZIoI/AAAAAAAAj44/jFbseFjwpKs/s1600/20140504_102159.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLEPGP0vnrg/U7SXpdaoiQI/AAAAAAAAj5A/meXISnB1m_4/s1600/20140504_130141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tLEPGP0vnrg/U7SXpdaoiQI/AAAAAAAAj5A/meXISnB1m_4/s1600/20140504_130141.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">New Life at Tabor Lutheran Church (W. Sunnyside and N. Drake).&nbsp; Three congregations meet at this church.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>MY CHICAGO-VERSARY ON NOVEMBER 15, 2011 </b></span><br /><br />I look back and I find it hard to believe that this journey started 2 years ago when I left Cleveland OH.&nbsp; I can tell you that I’ve found my home in Chicago over those two years, and it’s the first time in my life where I felt like I belonged somewhere.&nbsp; To add, it’s also the first time I truly feel home.&nbsp; I can’t explain it, but it’s true, and I am much happier with my life.&nbsp; It’s just that deep rooted feeling of being home and finding it finally.&nbsp; I often ask myself why I ever left Chicago in the first place.&nbsp; Having met some new friends here has made that journey all the more awesome though!&nbsp; It was on October 2012 where that journey with new friends actually began with Venture Around Chicago when I attended my first Chicago meetup through meetup.com.&nbsp; That was the “Weird and Haunted Tour of Chicago.”&nbsp; From that group, I’ve met some great new friends, acquaintances, and people that have been supportive of my new life here.&nbsp; It’s still a beginning though and there is more on the horizon.&nbsp; I’ve just now gotten settled in.&nbsp; It took me 15 years to make this change.&nbsp; I don’t want to botch this up!&nbsp; I don’t want to disappoint myself!&nbsp; This year, I’ve latched onto a few new things to try like a “Digital Photography” meetup in Chicago and a “Sci/Fi Fantasy writers” meetup.&nbsp; Venture Around still has been the main group I’ve been doing activities with though.&nbsp; Kurt picks some really awesome things to do in Chicago.&nbsp; He’d better since he’s native to the area, lol!&nbsp; Another thing I'm still trying to get used to here are the airplanes.&nbsp; O'Hare is nearby so I live in the path of the planes.&nbsp; It gets loud sometimes, lol.</div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">VENTURING AROUND CHICAGO WITH NEW FRIENDS</span></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2v3O87YfJCY/U7SYRyXe-1I/AAAAAAAAj5M/iy6xmXFaOPg/s1600/20140530_184949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2v3O87YfJCY/U7SYRyXe-1I/AAAAAAAAj5M/iy6xmXFaOPg/s1600/20140530_184949.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hank!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MDelzEXJBm0/U7SYsc1E4dI/AAAAAAAAj5U/8k29pdhN0dI/s1600/20140530_193847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MDelzEXJBm0/U7SYsc1E4dI/AAAAAAAAj5U/8k29pdhN0dI/s1600/20140530_193847.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Maifest at Lincoln Square, Chicago IL</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X60h98w_y00/U7SZARj97sI/AAAAAAAAj5c/-bo-QK0UM4Y/s1600/20140530_184632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X60h98w_y00/U7SZARj97sI/AAAAAAAAj5c/-bo-QK0UM4Y/s1600/20140530_184632.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Maifest 2014, Lincoln Square.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-omJmLA683_s/U7SZUr7vNVI/AAAAAAAAj5k/hMZJPyduIi4/s1600/20140517_130215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-omJmLA683_s/U7SZUr7vNVI/AAAAAAAAj5k/hMZJPyduIi4/s1600/20140517_130215.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sound of Music at Lyric Opera</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hbhwx5uZqw0/U7SZkGc2-9I/AAAAAAAAj5s/i_sOTULrKDE/s1600/20140517_161605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hbhwx5uZqw0/U7SZkGc2-9I/AAAAAAAAj5s/i_sOTULrKDE/s1600/20140517_161605.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sound of Music at Lyric Opera</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-67jBLMBFZxE/U7SZ9RcdrII/AAAAAAAAj50/pTDYqBuoT1k/s1600/20140524_123758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-67jBLMBFZxE/U7SZ9RcdrII/AAAAAAAAj50/pTDYqBuoT1k/s1600/20140524_123758.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">De-training at 35th/Sox Red Line stop for Cellular Field.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cg3PCTiV9HM/U7SaMhvdrjI/AAAAAAAAj58/1xEzKi0hOT4/s1600/20140524_123952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cg3PCTiV9HM/U7SaMhvdrjI/AAAAAAAAj58/1xEzKi0hOT4/s1600/20140524_123952.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Buyk6hahPXE/U7SaXcIPobI/AAAAAAAAj6E/Mr-E7e5L74w/s1600/20140524_124637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Buyk6hahPXE/U7SaXcIPobI/AAAAAAAAj6E/Mr-E7e5L74w/s1600/20140524_124637.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CmSdwWhk9OQ/U7Sai3xb6jI/AAAAAAAAj6M/bWHDYyx1-z0/s1600/20140524_153247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CmSdwWhk9OQ/U7Sai3xb6jI/AAAAAAAAj6M/bWHDYyx1-z0/s1600/20140524_153247.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjoR79PBNk0/U7Sas872wQI/AAAAAAAAj6U/b2vbzW4Ey08/s1600/20140524_182548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjoR79PBNk0/U7Sas872wQI/AAAAAAAAj6U/b2vbzW4Ey08/s1600/20140524_182548.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kurt and Sue, boarding the Red Line after the game.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJd7uwbkbVs/U7SbD44wixI/AAAAAAAAj6c/JkBYi3COv_Y/s1600/sears_vig2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJd7uwbkbVs/U7SbD44wixI/AAAAAAAAj6c/JkBYi3COv_Y/s1600/sears_vig2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A glint of the Sears Tower from Adams Street and State Street</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tf0DWYC-BUQ/U7SbxYkJ0lI/AAAAAAAAj6s/NXnOamDORDY/s1600/20140509_215936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tf0DWYC-BUQ/U7SbxYkJ0lI/AAAAAAAAj6s/NXnOamDORDY/s1600/20140509_215936.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LaD_L_uoZ2I/U7SbxV6xHMI/AAAAAAAAj6w/MXYv2CfkaZo/s1600/20140509_220553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LaD_L_uoZ2I/U7SbxV6xHMI/AAAAAAAAj6w/MXYv2CfkaZo/s1600/20140509_220553.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hanging out with Kurt, watching the Blackhawks at Cheesie’s in Lake View.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9lNu4g51alI/U7SbQtuqeLI/AAAAAAAAj6k/wPv-l9bwBAg/s1600/cta_diversey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9lNu4g51alI/U7SbQtuqeLI/AAAAAAAAj6k/wPv-l9bwBAg/s1600/cta_diversey.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">CTA Diversey 'L Platform</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HfVaaCBEaW4/U7ScYf7CJcI/AAAAAAAAj68/OlpVd_74J_o/s1600/20140503_191812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HfVaaCBEaW4/U7ScYf7CJcI/AAAAAAAAj68/OlpVd_74J_o/s1600/20140503_191812.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Near Home: Another beautiful sunset over Lawrence Avenue near Kimball</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JhxqqNNvnFE/U7ScsvWT4cI/AAAAAAAAj7E/_aPcqzE5lB0/s1600/20140504_185914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JhxqqNNvnFE/U7ScsvWT4cI/AAAAAAAAj7E/_aPcqzE5lB0/s1600/20140504_185914.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;Couple of Blackhawks’ fans boarded the Brown line on the way back from United Center.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jOBEBLRKxDw/U7SdAdWb3fI/AAAAAAAAj7Q/KpCtAVYsejA/s1600/20140601_140830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jOBEBLRKxDw/U7SdAdWb3fI/AAAAAAAAj7Q/KpCtAVYsejA/s1600/20140601_140830.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kh5-gbes95I/U7SdAbFefsI/AAAAAAAAj7U/DCv0UCCP_Xw/s1600/20140601_140840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kh5-gbes95I/U7SdAbFefsI/AAAAAAAAj7U/DCv0UCCP_Xw/s1600/20140601_140840.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gene’s Rooftop, Lincoln Square</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hnj22q8DnA/U7Sddo6UqUI/AAAAAAAAj7g/Um29x9Hekig/s1600/20140504_171604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hnj22q8DnA/U7Sddo6UqUI/AAAAAAAAj7g/Um29x9Hekig/s1600/20140504_171604.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mural under Kennedy Expressway (I-90) at Pulaski Road and Irving Park Road</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-41e_fxU40os/U7Sd8Y4SXkI/AAAAAAAAj7o/6yUFfv2y8LA/s1600/20140503_145638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-41e_fxU40os/U7Sd8Y4SXkI/AAAAAAAAj7o/6yUFfv2y8LA/s1600/20140503_145638.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A neighborhood walk on the Northside with Kurt</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a6yHas2FjsQ/U7SePAhB9yI/AAAAAAAAj7w/6Kofi4-bEiw/s1600/20140607_125856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a6yHas2FjsQ/U7SePAhB9yI/AAAAAAAAj7w/6Kofi4-bEiw/s1600/20140607_125856.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wildlife in Chicago!&nbsp; La Bagh Woods near Pulaski/Foster (Cook County Forest Preserve)</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z_snnWFHfAU/U7SecBnD1NI/AAAAAAAAj78/dSBwuleaXuI/s1600/20140607_130845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z_snnWFHfAU/U7SecBnD1NI/AAAAAAAAj78/dSBwuleaXuI/s1600/20140607_130845.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hank, enjoying the cool, cool grass in La Bagh Woods</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">In May, we enjoyed a Saturday afternoon at Lyric Opera watching the Sound of Music, staring Titanic’s Billy Zane as Captain Von Trapp.&nbsp; I believe it was our official first Venture Around meetup of the year.&nbsp; It was a great way to regale some childhood memories of Sound of Music.&nbsp; In June, it was finally nice to see “life” come to my street and the city with the blooming of trees and grass.&nbsp; With the help of Kurt, he’s helped me get out and explore around the neighborhood.&nbsp; We’ve taken several walks around the area and explored some the scenic parks nearby like at Pulaski/Foster park, Argyle/Francisco park (The North Branch Chicago River); Like I mentioned before, they have nature trails! Some of these neighborhoods have very classy looking houses and apartment buildings too.&nbsp; Lincoln Square is nearby and it attracts a variety of shops and venues, like Gene’s Rooftop, Davis Theater, Maifest, and other venues.&nbsp; Irving Park to the south has Independence Park, a place I may visit for the Fourth of July this year; that is if Kurt doesn’t get invited back to his old place at Pebble Yard in Old Irving Park for fireworks again.&nbsp; I’m hoping he does because of this!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/o4pDzLJJfBo?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Independence Day 2013</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Old Irving Park, Chicago IL</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">At the end of May, a bunch of us went to Maifest and enjoyed a great Chicago evening, listening to great music, having good food, drink, and being in the company of friends.&nbsp; It was finally great to get out enjoy the nice Chicago weather, considering the awful winter we just had.&nbsp; One weekend, we took the Red Line down to Bridgeport to Cellular field and watched the Sox vs. Yankees.&nbsp; Being a Tribe fan, I found myself rooting for the Sox because I loathe New York.&nbsp; In the end, I was really upset that New York won and the Sox lost!&nbsp; Lol!&nbsp; Don’t forget those Hawks too!!!</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Upcoming this month, I have planned events with kayaking down the Chicago River, the World’s Largest Block Party (end of June), Grant Park Orchestra at Pritzker Pavilion, and later this summer, Lazy Tubing in Indiana (again) to look forward to.&nbsp; August is still out there but the Air &amp; Water Show will be something I do again too (It will be my 3rd year going to it).&nbsp; Kayaking, yep, kayaking.&nbsp; I’ve never done it before, and I’m a little scared but I was encouraged to do it.&nbsp; It sounds fun and I can’t wait to do it!&nbsp; I hope to also get involved with volunteer work in the city too.&nbsp; There is plenty to do to help out, more than just handing a dollar to the homeless guy at the freeway exit.&nbsp; The year is still early!&nbsp; There is more to do with Work, Church, Venture Around and even Mingle Around.&nbsp; I was also informed that my folks will be joining me next month on a week of my vacation!&nbsp; I’ve already started giving them some ideas for things to do, suggesting hotels in Skokie, although I’m still researching for the best area.&nbsp; I said Skokie since it’s the closest to me; it’s about 8 miles north of me (I-94 Edens).&nbsp; Kurt recommended Rosemont; there is some time to play with before mid-July.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s8_M6I5vIk0/U7SkTLL4RzI/AAAAAAAAj8I/NEi1JmtlHRo/s1600/20140611_144230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s8_M6I5vIk0/U7SkTLL4RzI/AAAAAAAAj8I/NEi1JmtlHRo/s1600/20140611_144230.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Coming soon to Chicago, Chicagoland and Milwaukee!&nbsp; Mobile Cash!</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">For the last month and work, I’ve been working with Wintrust at their HQ in Rosemont IL.&nbsp; It’s a major account with Diebold and the work I’ll be doing there will revolutionize how we access cash at the ATMs with Mobile Phones.&nbsp; Its success weighs on the work I’ll do there and Diebold is hoping to roll this out soon, so there is a lot of stress involved.&nbsp; Starting in March though, I’ve done a lot of traveling for work.&nbsp; Some of the places I’ve journeyed to are below:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5nFGfBil10w/U7S65m5FTII/AAAAAAAAkAQ/eKo19pnCfyM/s1600/20140331_134451-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5nFGfBil10w/U7S65m5FTII/AAAAAAAAkAQ/eKo19pnCfyM/s1600/20140331_134451-1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I did a lot of traveling to Chicago O'Hare (ORD) for work.</span></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>BATESVILLE, ARKANSAS (featured in March’s Blog)</b></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />In March, I started my first round of traveling for work, starting with Arkansas.&nbsp; Arkansas was interesting because before I drove down there, they were hit with a heavy snow storm.&nbsp; The Project Manager called me Monday morning just as I was packing up the car and asked if I was still driving down.&nbsp; He said a big snow storm hit.&nbsp; Knowing only my experience up north driving in snow storms, I was unprepared for the south and their version of snow storms.&nbsp; After I drove down there that day through St. Louis, I was introduced to that experience.&nbsp; Being in the north, I take for granted the salt trucks and plows.&nbsp; Well, down south, they don’t have any of those.&nbsp; Their version of snowplowed roads is tire tracks.&nbsp; Yep, tire tracks.&nbsp; They don’t have plows or salt trucks.&nbsp; I quickly learned on my travels to stay on the Federal Routes (US routes) for my driving, since those routes were done before the other roads.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EgMiW6VGB04/U7SlnIaoUxI/AAAAAAAAj8U/GGcgnCAP6aI/s1600/20140305_191235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EgMiW6VGB04/U7SlnIaoUxI/AAAAAAAAj8U/GGcgnCAP6aI/s1600/20140305_191235.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Work there was slow going because everything shutdown there for a few days.&nbsp; The ATM I was working on had a bad HD, so I waited a day and half for the part to arrive.&nbsp; After finally getting the drive, I worked long hours for the remaining days to ensure the work was done properly.&nbsp; So I was working past midnights on some days.&nbsp; On the days I was working late, their IT guy hung out with me while I had the ATM open in their drive-through.</div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>MASSACHUSETTS</b></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In April, I was in Massachusetts for two weeks, well it was originally was supposed to be one week.&nbsp; I flew out of O’Hare to T.F Green, Providence, then I drove a rental car into Swansea MA where the hotel was at.&nbsp; I planned the trip so I could be close to the site, which I thought at the time was Fall River MA.&nbsp; Swansea is right on the border of Rhode Island and MA.&nbsp; When I arrived, I was distinctly listening for that Boston Accent.&nbsp; They didn’t have one in Swansea MA.&nbsp; The next morning after I crossed the river into Fall River, everyone lost their Rs, lol!</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Arriving at the bank and meeting the bank’s IT guy in Fall River, he told me I was at the wrong site, so all I remember of that was he was trying to tell me where I was supposed to be.&nbsp; “<i>Taaantin</i>.&nbsp; Youh supposed to be at <i>Taaantin</i>.”&nbsp; “Where?” I said.&nbsp; “Can you show me on a map?”&nbsp; I opened my Google Maps on my phone.&nbsp; “<i>Taantin</i>,” he pointed.&nbsp; “Oh, you mean <b><i>Taunton</i></b>,” I thought to myself, lol.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Taunton MA was 40 minutes away from the site, and further from the hotel.&nbsp; When I finally go to Taunton, the VP of the bank was there.&nbsp; Shaking my hand, he actually said (what I would never thought someone from Boston would dare say), “Wheah’d you paaak youww caaaaa?”&nbsp; Translation: “Where’d you park your car?”&nbsp; I had to hold back my laughter!!!&nbsp; Taunton was a challenge and I was doing three people’s jobs that week.&nbsp; It got me thinking about problems with our project management for SE assignments.&nbsp; Later in the week, more of that would surface.&nbsp; Taunton was where I needed to be for that week, so I later changed the hotel location to be much, much closer and stayed in Taunton.&nbsp; There were a lot of challenges for this project and that’s all I will say about this.&nbsp; The project management for this one was awful and it caused me to stay an extra week there to finish the project.&nbsp; I was taken off an assignment to stay there.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">During the weekend, when I was there, I drove up to Boston for the day, toured the USS Constitution, visited Old North Church, and ate in Old North neighborhood.&nbsp; I also drove all the way to the end of Massachusetts across US 6 to Provincetown, where I walked around the town there where the Pilgrim’s first made landfall.&nbsp; I also drove down to Marconi Beach where the first Wireless Marconi Station was planted in the United States.&nbsp; It was beautiful there.&nbsp; The narrow strip of land of Massachusetts (“the boot”) felt like I was in a desert.&nbsp; There was so much sand there and with it being early spring, it felt desolate more desolate.&nbsp; After finishing the day there, I drove to the end of US 6 and spent some time at the beach there.&nbsp; It was exciting and fun to do those things on the weekend.&nbsp; I learned what a “rotary” was and what a “parking trough” was too.&nbsp; A rotary is a roundabout and a parking trough is similar to a resting area for vehicles off the side of the road.&nbsp; On top of that, leaving the Cape Cod area on US 6, I kept seeing signs for “evacuation route,” lol.&nbsp; Oookay then.&nbsp; Finishing up my work in Taunton MA, it was time to go home though.&nbsp; Before I was allowed to land at O’Hare, Kurt gave me the ultimatum saying I wasn’t allowed to land unless I tried Clam Chowdah, which I did.&nbsp; I found it disgusting as a kid but I only think that’s because I only tried Campbell’s version of it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQXgvnMLMH4/U7SmueuTLhI/AAAAAAAAj8g/KgQ8j7E9QmE/s1600/20140405_170002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nQXgvnMLMH4/U7SmueuTLhI/AAAAAAAAj8g/KgQ8j7E9QmE/s1600/20140405_170002.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;Old North Church, Boston MA</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FWqJbgcu1VA/U7SmvTRsuSI/AAAAAAAAj8s/YdGyKEwVEvc/s1600/20140405_170519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FWqJbgcu1VA/U7SmvTRsuSI/AAAAAAAAj8s/YdGyKEwVEvc/s1600/20140405_170519.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Old North Church </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3WTmbWNK8SM/U7SmuTVncEI/AAAAAAAAj8k/LmxZg5ahAak/s1600/20140405_182515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3WTmbWNK8SM/U7SmuTVncEI/AAAAAAAAj8k/LmxZg5ahAak/s1600/20140405_182515.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Boston Skyline</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7G5q03waw24/U7Smwqv9okI/AAAAAAAAj84/p7hNRi5Q6lc/s1600/20140406_151210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7G5q03waw24/U7Smwqv9okI/AAAAAAAAj84/p7hNRi5Q6lc/s1600/20140406_151210.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cape Cod Map </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qCUPFk8ccHg/U7SmzzSVC6I/AAAAAAAAj9A/zR_kejSEh4Q/s1600/20140406_161056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qCUPFk8ccHg/U7SmzzSVC6I/AAAAAAAAj9A/zR_kejSEh4Q/s1600/20140406_161056.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown MA </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QUzcsjdDNHI/U7Sm0QRqv1I/AAAAAAAAj9E/W8mXmUio0I4/s1600/20140406_161930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QUzcsjdDNHI/U7Sm0QRqv1I/AAAAAAAAj9E/W8mXmUio0I4/s1600/20140406_161930.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Provincetown MA </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-shyh1Z2GNe4/U7Sm1rlA-ZI/AAAAAAAAj9Q/UJXMifqFtr8/s1600/20140406_162430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-shyh1Z2GNe4/U7Sm1rlA-ZI/AAAAAAAAj9Q/UJXMifqFtr8/s1600/20140406_162430.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cape Cod seen from Provincetown MA</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GUYp44Ie9JE/U7Sm26-1qmI/AAAAAAAAj9Y/SQj03e4Sb0E/s1600/20140406_165324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GUYp44Ie9JE/U7Sm26-1qmI/AAAAAAAAj9Y/SQj03e4Sb0E/s1600/20140406_165324.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;Terminus of US 6, Grand Army of the Republic Highway near Provincetown MA.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C-ss-W_Sizc/U7Sm3gJy8gI/AAAAAAAAj9g/gsqs-gBP8mU/s1600/20140409_085654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C-ss-W_Sizc/U7Sm3gJy8gI/AAAAAAAAj9g/gsqs-gBP8mU/s1600/20140409_085654.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Work for two weeks: Bank Five in Taunton MA</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dSy0QEv6siI/U7Sm4Ug0sMI/AAAAAAAAj9o/fgSrZ83A4zk/s1600/20140409_164428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dSy0QEv6siI/U7Sm4Ug0sMI/AAAAAAAAj9o/fgSrZ83A4zk/s1600/20140409_164428.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Work is complete when you begin writing off backups</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ufnBbrnPn_I/U7SokHu-2yI/AAAAAAAAj9w/8TztqynQ4L4/s1600/20140410_210451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ufnBbrnPn_I/U7SokHu-2yI/AAAAAAAAj9w/8TztqynQ4L4/s1600/20140410_210451.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Your ultimatum is eat Clam Chowdah or you cannot land back home in Chicago,” Kurt.</span></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>WASHINGTON DC (Twice)</b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Two times I went to DC.&nbsp; I was doing training for new hires for these two trips.&nbsp; We worked minutes from the White House in Downtown DC both times.&nbsp; I was assigned two different projects for DC and two different weeks.&nbsp; They were unrelated projects.&nbsp; During the first trip, there was no time to do any exploring, but on my second visit, I was able to spend a day with some touring.&nbsp; It was nice to walk by Lincoln’s Memorial, the Washington Monument, the White House, and the World War II Memorial.&nbsp; It was a beautiful weather too, and I forgot to use sunscreen.&nbsp; The training went well with the new hire for the two weeks I was there.&nbsp; After spending the last day in DC, I did some exploring, then I jumped on the airplane back to O’Hare.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IENBY8IXAkI/U7StJHrYrMI/AAAAAAAAj94/8LIMob0hbSA/s1600/20140417_191626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IENBY8IXAkI/U7StJHrYrMI/AAAAAAAAj94/8LIMob0hbSA/s1600/20140417_191626.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9QSU401_UY/U7StUhg5fjI/AAAAAAAAj-A/A-Z45Ww5aGY/s1600/20140416_085934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9QSU401_UY/U7StUhg5fjI/AAAAAAAAj-A/A-Z45Ww5aGY/s1600/20140416_085934.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">IDB-IIC Bank at New York Avenue and 13th Street NW, the first project I was assigned.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xKzAYF05hCU/U7S4k3YNPuI/AAAAAAAAj-M/3OYZSs8qBS4/s1600/20140515_174144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xKzAYF05hCU/U7S4k3YNPuI/AAAAAAAAj-M/3OYZSs8qBS4/s1600/20140515_174144.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JSoxrblFnTA/U7S40VQ7WLI/AAAAAAAAj-U/rvUwz6Ywq_M/s1600/20140513_134046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JSoxrblFnTA/U7S40VQ7WLI/AAAAAAAAj-U/rvUwz6Ywq_M/s1600/20140513_134046.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bank Fund on Eye (I) Street and 18th Street, Downtown DC </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lkbe0hLgE3A/U7S40eCelDI/AAAAAAAAj-Y/4t11SaAdwGo/s1600/20140515_122624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lkbe0hLgE3A/U7S40eCelDI/AAAAAAAAj-Y/4t11SaAdwGo/s1600/20140515_122624.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;Bank Fund on Eye (I) Street and 18th Street, Downtown DC</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XbSPiE_Pg5g/U7S403Qzc7I/AAAAAAAAj-g/YabkntPyA9g/s1600/20140515_151234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XbSPiE_Pg5g/U7S403Qzc7I/AAAAAAAAj-g/YabkntPyA9g/s1600/20140515_151234.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bank Fund on Eye (I) Street and 18th Street, Downtown DC</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yysN4M6P6tU/U7S5hquuDuI/AAAAAAAAj-s/9r3NWyathDE/s1600/20140516_123019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yysN4M6P6tU/U7S5hquuDuI/AAAAAAAAj-s/9r3NWyathDE/s1600/20140516_123019.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2k-dFzM4h0/U7S5hsExxtI/AAAAAAAAj-w/HiNVFZrd4a0/s1600/20140516_124532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2k-dFzM4h0/U7S5hsExxtI/AAAAAAAAj-w/HiNVFZrd4a0/s1600/20140516_124532.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BBFtGxdc92U/U7S5iYgQdxI/AAAAAAAAj-0/3OrqC2EOgJQ/s1600/20140516_124557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BBFtGxdc92U/U7S5iYgQdxI/AAAAAAAAj-0/3OrqC2EOgJQ/s1600/20140516_124557.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<span style="font-size: small;">World War II Memorial</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RllCsYQHnRg/U7S5jz1UuHI/AAAAAAAAj_E/_uAtMAKZKVU/s1600/20140516_124721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RllCsYQHnRg/U7S5jz1UuHI/AAAAAAAAj_E/_uAtMAKZKVU/s1600/20140516_124721.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Imb7qtYAP7s/U7S5k9NDIDI/AAAAAAAAj_I/sNyE0PKJO7s/s1600/20140516_131650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Imb7qtYAP7s/U7S5k9NDIDI/AAAAAAAAj_I/sNyE0PKJO7s/s1600/20140516_131650.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<span style="font-size: small;">Lincoln Memorial</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q2LTNc5oR4/U7S5mTv53kI/AAAAAAAAj_U/rDgKvkdMUjY/s1600/20140516_132518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q2LTNc5oR4/U7S5mTv53kI/AAAAAAAAj_U/rDgKvkdMUjY/s1600/20140516_132518.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6WJWpjOSAZ4/U7S5nNCOYVI/AAAAAAAAj_c/_1j3uL88Xiw/s1600/20140516_135059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6WJWpjOSAZ4/U7S5nNCOYVI/AAAAAAAAj_c/_1j3uL88Xiw/s1600/20140516_135059.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uw3kQArbVEY/U7S5oZkNbeI/AAAAAAAAj_k/4Y9QB8AVrBg/s1600/20140516_135159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uw3kQArbVEY/U7S5oZkNbeI/AAAAAAAAj_k/4Y9QB8AVrBg/s1600/20140516_135159.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TWw2PW4VuYc/U7S5pR6dg8I/AAAAAAAAj_s/qjg5tHJchqs/s1600/20140516_135750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TWw2PW4VuYc/U7S5pR6dg8I/AAAAAAAAj_s/qjg5tHJchqs/s1600/20140516_135750.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Npw9vm_0TQg/U7S5r5LNOvI/AAAAAAAAj_0/9wpJJqBfGs4/s1600/20140516_160321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Npw9vm_0TQg/U7S5r5LNOvI/AAAAAAAAj_0/9wpJJqBfGs4/s1600/20140516_160321.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;Potomac River</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7AIL-qzVak/U7S5sJMOQ1I/AAAAAAAAj_4/kPTnR70rMqU/s1600/20140516_195556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7AIL-qzVak/U7S5sJMOQ1I/AAAAAAAAj_4/kPTnR70rMqU/s1600/20140516_195556.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the way home to O'Hare via Cleveland...</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MEcOdFu6VKI/U7S6Yl8d-7I/AAAAAAAAkAE/zK-CZg7hMk4/s1600/20140512_071059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MEcOdFu6VKI/U7S6Yl8d-7I/AAAAAAAAkAE/zK-CZg7hMk4/s1600/20140512_071059.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">That funky, psychedelic funhouse tunnel at O’Hare…</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1NOdbjDyMY/U7S7YnXwUmI/AAAAAAAAkAU/mSETMWN50F8/s1600/20140502_184235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1NOdbjDyMY/U7S7YnXwUmI/AAAAAAAAkAU/mSETMWN50F8/s1600/20140502_184235.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">That funky, psychedelic funhouse tunnel with the creepy music in DTW (Detroit)…</span></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>NEW YORK CITY</b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I did one week in New York, once again training a new hire.&nbsp; We flew in LaGuardia, a rundown, constricting airport.&nbsp; Flying into the airport was something.&nbsp; The plane flew right over water, then suddenly there was a runway!&nbsp; Whoa!&nbsp; Close call!&nbsp; We both met up in Queens where we were staying at a hotel.&nbsp; I just have to say but the streets there are just awful!&nbsp; Chicago is a much cleaner city!</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Meeting with the co-worker on the first day, he noted that I drove from the airport to the hotel.&nbsp; “Hey, I saw that you have a rental, let’s drive into Manhattan and do some sightseeing,” he said.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">“No way,” I said. “I’m not driving into Manhattan.”</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">“Taxi?”</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">“No!&nbsp; If anything, we’re going to learn the subways first!&nbsp; I’ve seen enough movies to know that you don’t drive or taxi into Manhattan!”&nbsp; </div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So, we did just that.&nbsp; We got a subway map and used them instead.&nbsp; It wasn’t hard to learn.&nbsp; We were in Queens, so we took the R and E into lower Manhattan.&nbsp; We did some sightseeing, like going up to the top of the Empire State Building, seeing the new One World Trade Center (it wasn’t open to the public yet), going to Ground Zero, walking past the New York Public Library, etc.&nbsp; We also enjoyed working with the bank too; they were some of the friendliest people we enjoyed working with that week, both in Manhattan and in Queens!&nbsp; It was cute listening to the women in Queens with their New Yowwrk accents!&nbsp; At the end of the week, we tried to go the 9/11 Memorial, but missed the times.&nbsp; So, we spent a quiet reflective moment at Ground Zero, thinking back to that terrible day of September 11.&nbsp; You could feel it just standing there.&nbsp; We both recalled that day and talked about it. New York was great!&nbsp; The trainee I worked with was from Houston.&nbsp; He said he was looking forward to Diebold.&nbsp; During the week, we ate lunch in Queens and the person serving us guessed where we came from based on our accents, lol!&nbsp; He was accurate for both of us, guessing the co-worker as Houston Texas and me, believe it or not, as Chicago.&nbsp; Ha!&nbsp; It was kind of creepy, lol!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jk6b0i2n-iE/U7S8ArwBmZI/AAAAAAAAkAc/-zx8eU10X28/s1600/20140422_152219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jk6b0i2n-iE/U7S8ArwBmZI/AAAAAAAAkAc/-zx8eU10X28/s1600/20140422_152219.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;Time's Sqaure</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KaOEmeUSdKY/U7S8B4NFJbI/AAAAAAAAkAk/VSJKDBuLDuw/s1600/20140422_152319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KaOEmeUSdKY/U7S8B4NFJbI/AAAAAAAAkAk/VSJKDBuLDuw/s1600/20140422_152319.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VvGFheqjs8g/U7S8VhncHPI/AAAAAAAAkA4/uRfQyXckWx4/s1600/20140422_165032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VvGFheqjs8g/U7S8VhncHPI/AAAAAAAAkA4/uRfQyXckWx4/s1600/20140422_165032.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;From the Empire State Building, looking towards the East River.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xV4DSTDC-KA/U7S8UCSE4EI/AAAAAAAAkAs/522V46wOKM0/s1600/20140422_165349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xV4DSTDC-KA/U7S8UCSE4EI/AAAAAAAAkAs/522V46wOKM0/s1600/20140422_165349.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;The Empire Building's giant spire.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3xiITiJJ5uo/U7S8VrQ77yI/AAAAAAAAkA0/A9XeTuY4Hb4/s1600/20140422_165448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3xiITiJJ5uo/U7S8VrQ77yI/AAAAAAAAkA0/A9XeTuY4Hb4/s1600/20140422_165448.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">From the Empire State Building, looking towards lower Manhattan.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WW3DcY4bPXM/U7S83M9Bd7I/AAAAAAAAkBE/yKrVSkjH3jU/s1600/20140425_130350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WW3DcY4bPXM/U7S83M9Bd7I/AAAAAAAAkBE/yKrVSkjH3jU/s1600/20140425_130350.jpg" height="154" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A Panoramic View of New York from Queens. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qvfBt7Ej1wo/U7S83lhSZqI/AAAAAAAAkBM/67fWDzVumEg/s1600/20140425_130602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qvfBt7Ej1wo/U7S83lhSZqI/AAAAAAAAkBM/67fWDzVumEg/s1600/20140425_130602.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">New York, seen from Queens</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ed4Wz8twSxQ/U7S9XRhT1BI/AAAAAAAAkBU/4dkO0RgFezA/s1600/20140424_184600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ed4Wz8twSxQ/U7S9XRhT1BI/AAAAAAAAkBU/4dkO0RgFezA/s1600/20140424_184600.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Queens Boulevard near Van Dam in Queens, facing the Empire State Building.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7cGeqi4g1Z0/U7S90sayKXI/AAAAAAAAkBs/O5m75ECBook/s1600/20140423_201406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7cGeqi4g1Z0/U7S90sayKXI/AAAAAAAAkBs/O5m75ECBook/s1600/20140423_201406.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uEj444GOowU/U7S9zXNJDzI/AAAAAAAAkBc/DnfHGG5i9eo/s1600/20140423_201618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uEj444GOowU/U7S9zXNJDzI/AAAAAAAAkBc/DnfHGG5i9eo/s1600/20140423_201618.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ground Zero! </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfdXCDQMVcc/U7S9znX2E5I/AAAAAAAAkBg/596BMLwWFhk/s1600/20140423_202927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfdXCDQMVcc/U7S9znX2E5I/AAAAAAAAkBg/596BMLwWFhk/s1600/20140423_202927.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ground Zero and One World Trade Center aka the Freedom Tower.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aCi0wrFXnk8/U7S-PXGwj-I/AAAAAAAAkB0/ZBSzdXex89Y/s1600/20140422_163202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aCi0wrFXnk8/U7S-PXGwj-I/AAAAAAAAkB0/ZBSzdXex89Y/s1600/20140422_163202.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">How many of you play the opening musical score to Ghostbusters in your head when you see those lions?&nbsp; I do!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zTHjAD1jhfw/U7S-mMasn5I/AAAAAAAAkB8/DXSkX0X1RP8/s1600/20140423_195250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zTHjAD1jhfw/U7S-mMasn5I/AAAAAAAAkB8/DXSkX0X1RP8/s1600/20140423_195250.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;Riding the New York Subways</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HLPu52y8kSk/U7S-mIyeAII/AAAAAAAAkCA/RFIg9NiwwFk/s1600/20140423_201232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HLPu52y8kSk/U7S-mIyeAII/AAAAAAAAkCA/RFIg9NiwwFk/s1600/20140423_201232.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>WINTRUST FINANCIAL INSTITUTION IN CHICAGO</b></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In between the previous trips here, I did some traveling to Hartford, Connecticut, Upstate New York (Norwich NY). For the last part of May up to this point, I’ve been working at Wintrust and its HQ in Rosemont IL.&nbsp; The weight of the work I do here for Diebold rests squarely on my shoulders. Its success with revolutionize how we access cash using mobile phones and ATMs. There is so much involved and Wintrust pilots several Chicago/Milwaukee charter banks. I'll be working at the main HQ but may working around Chicago too with its charters. :: deep breath :: I’ve opened a bank account at one of its charters: First Chicago Bank and Trust at N. Elston and N. Pulaski.&nbsp; I hope my work here impacts my career at Diebold in a positive direction!&nbsp; After opening an account at the Elston location, I learned that the branch will be demolished in the fall and they are opening a new branch next door to their old site.&nbsp; I saw NCR machines in the lobby and now it makes sense.&nbsp; The branch associate said they’re moving to Diebold.&nbsp; YEAH!&nbsp; I finally also got my ATM card and setup Mobile Cash on my mobile phone!&nbsp; I may just move all my bank accounts to Wintrust now, lol!&nbsp; It's pretty cool feature.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_i779LgY04/U7TAnIMUrBI/AAAAAAAAkCc/XEg6EjSGSPs/s1600/20140530_134250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_i779LgY04/U7TAnIMUrBI/AAAAAAAAkCc/XEg6EjSGSPs/s1600/20140530_134250.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQnfR5KYO2Y/U7TAmyvkcSI/AAAAAAAAkCY/YTEq1Da7GnQ/s1600/20140530_134535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQnfR5KYO2Y/U7TAmyvkcSI/AAAAAAAAkCY/YTEq1Da7GnQ/s1600/20140530_134535.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My new bank in Chicago.&nbsp; Busable from Lawrence #81 to Pulaski #53 to Elston!&nbsp; Corner of Elston and Pulaski</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-udJrRFBGUCk/U7TAoeTDG_I/AAAAAAAAkCo/asg3VML3HKk/s1600/20140530_134546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-udJrRFBGUCk/U7TAoeTDG_I/AAAAAAAAkCo/asg3VML3HKk/s1600/20140530_134546.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My New Bank, the new bank being built next door. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8dkEbKcYm4U/U7TApaWSFHI/AAAAAAAAkCw/iRTxQM7qPSU/s1600/20140530_134605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8dkEbKcYm4U/U7TApaWSFHI/AAAAAAAAkCw/iRTxQM7qPSU/s1600/20140530_134605.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AtLU03tjCpQ/U7TBO0B7qUI/AAAAAAAAkC4/0pjK4u0c7Pw/s1600/20140529_151614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AtLU03tjCpQ/U7TBO0B7qUI/AAAAAAAAkC4/0pjK4u0c7Pw/s1600/20140529_151614.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wintrust HQ, 9700 W. Higgins Road, Rosemont IL </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m2xXuYEztfo/U7TBPk-x7UI/AAAAAAAAkDA/CDeUjnc1K2k/s1600/20140611_173828(0).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m2xXuYEztfo/U7TBPk-x7UI/AAAAAAAAkDA/CDeUjnc1K2k/s1600/20140611_173828(0).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uwp4kCIRcwU/U7TDdFWjVzI/AAAAAAAAkDY/8252uWPMXUw/s1600/20140617_153550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uwp4kCIRcwU/U7TDdFWjVzI/AAAAAAAAkDY/8252uWPMXUw/s1600/20140617_153550.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vLExf1nagJY/U7TDfMpolwI/AAAAAAAAkDg/Xlk8i0Ik2wA/s1600/20140618_124517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vLExf1nagJY/U7TDfMpolwI/AAAAAAAAkDg/Xlk8i0Ik2wA/s1600/20140618_124517.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JDtwVehfXkg/U7TDcuB18AI/AAAAAAAAkDQ/nnq4wDzYTZw/s1600/20140619_154304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JDtwVehfXkg/U7TDcuB18AI/AAAAAAAAkDQ/nnq4wDzYTZw/s1600/20140619_154304.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">At Work.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QtwL3IOagRM/U7XDo2zkAPI/AAAAAAAAkNU/gwmv_g3g350/s1600/MCA.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QtwL3IOagRM/U7XDo2zkAPI/AAAAAAAAkNU/gwmv_g3g350/s1600/MCA.png" height="592" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q63MhnfcbQ4/U7XvZgahbWI/AAAAAAAAkOg/znbRHCcvLZA/s1600/Screenshot_2014-07-03-18-45-10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q63MhnfcbQ4/U7XvZgahbWI/AAAAAAAAkOg/znbRHCcvLZA/s1600/Screenshot_2014-07-03-18-45-10.png" height="640" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mobile Cash App on my phone.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vnA13PwRjBk/U7XDo8AYqUI/AAAAAAAAkNQ/30MGk_WGzo0/s1600/mobilecash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vnA13PwRjBk/U7XDo8AYqUI/AAAAAAAAkNQ/30MGk_WGzo0/s1600/mobilecash.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mobile Cash through Paydiant</span></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>SUNSET KAYAKING DOWN THE NORTH BRANCH CHICAGO RIVER</b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I did it finally!&nbsp; IT WAS FUN!!!!!&nbsp; Met some new people too!!!&nbsp; I finally kicked myself in the behind to do this!!!</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">After work, I took the Brown Line to Belmont and transferred to the Red Line.&nbsp; I walked over to Kayak Chicago from the Clybourn/North Avenue Stop.&nbsp; We all met up at Kayak Chicago nearing sunset.&nbsp; Our journey started at North Avenue and we kayaked down to the Main branch of the Chicago River (1.5 miles), then journeyed back towards North Avenue at sunset.&nbsp; North Avenue to Chicago Avenue is 1 mile.&nbsp; FUN TIME!!!!&nbsp; I didn’t tip over or melt in the Chicago River either.&nbsp; Someone in the group asked me, "how far do you think we paddled?"&nbsp; Well, if you figure it correctly according to Chicago's Grid.&nbsp; North Avenue (1600N) to Chicago Avenue (800N) is 1 mile.&nbsp; Chicago Avenue to Kinzie Street (400N) is a half mile. We turned around near that street.&nbsp; I told her probably little over 3 miles.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQnXDEViN5o/U7TEvmftWdI/AAAAAAAAkDk/iFRXwGeqD14/s1600/20140612_171001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQnXDEViN5o/U7TEvmftWdI/AAAAAAAAkDk/iFRXwGeqD14/s1600/20140612_171001.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5FM46hpuKtE/U7TEw5IA59I/AAAAAAAAkDw/hdFkN4-DEiI/s1600/20140612_171026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5FM46hpuKtE/U7TEw5IA59I/AAAAAAAAkDw/hdFkN4-DEiI/s1600/20140612_171026.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0rBB2expQK0/U7TEwabM6BI/AAAAAAAAkDo/lfGTgF1E3Mo/s1600/20140612_183345(0).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0rBB2expQK0/U7TEwabM6BI/AAAAAAAAkDo/lfGTgF1E3Mo/s1600/20140612_183345(0).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWtjb44Jm-g/U7TEyWekYYI/AAAAAAAAkD8/hda-4o8Pqv8/s1600/20140612_190428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWtjb44Jm-g/U7TEyWekYYI/AAAAAAAAkD8/hda-4o8Pqv8/s1600/20140612_190428.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chicago Avenue, the 1 mile marker.&nbsp; Downstream…</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-44-53owmSjA/U7TE1hdL0uI/AAAAAAAAkEI/mtTMHO45_vw/s1600/20140612_191941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-44-53owmSjA/U7TE1hdL0uI/AAAAAAAAkEI/mtTMHO45_vw/s1600/20140612_191941.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The main branch where North and South branches merge.&nbsp; ½ mile from Chicago Avenue about Kinzie Street. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QMsa3YLgaGk/U7TE1TOg93I/AAAAAAAAkEE/4FX5FywCHh4/s1600/20140612_192011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QMsa3YLgaGk/U7TE1TOg93I/AAAAAAAAkEE/4FX5FywCHh4/s1600/20140612_192011.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qKBuC2UdaNE/U7TE40rasdI/AAAAAAAAkEc/D7RjlfRr0dk/s1600/20140612_192207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qKBuC2UdaNE/U7TE40rasdI/AAAAAAAAkEc/D7RjlfRr0dk/s1600/20140612_192207.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghmwaNfuSFc/U7TGOFEhLiI/AAAAAAAAkFY/BAa4e16-pqQ/s1600/20140612_192007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghmwaNfuSFc/U7TGOFEhLiI/AAAAAAAAkFY/BAa4e16-pqQ/s1600/20140612_192007.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PUurWcByUH8/U7TE7NvINdI/AAAAAAAAkEo/xF6FQzv5VOc/s1600/20140612_192825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PUurWcByUH8/U7TE7NvINdI/AAAAAAAAkEo/xF6FQzv5VOc/s1600/20140612_192825.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Heading back north and nearing sunset… </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gaf4PN61YQI/U7TE6ueB7eI/AAAAAAAAkEg/u6tz2jgLTXo/s1600/20140612_193726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gaf4PN61YQI/U7TE6ueB7eI/AAAAAAAAkEg/u6tz2jgLTXo/s1600/20140612_193726.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNfBs5mijSE/U7TE70dI5KI/AAAAAAAAkE0/Z77goP-dfOw/s1600/20140612_193739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNfBs5mijSE/U7TE70dI5KI/AAAAAAAAkE0/Z77goP-dfOw/s1600/20140612_193739.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JuOrSaHzacw/U7TE9jblFcI/AAAAAAAAkE8/VZO8tfNKYRc/s1600/20140612_193938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JuOrSaHzacw/U7TE9jblFcI/AAAAAAAAkE8/VZO8tfNKYRc/s1600/20140612_193938.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YWsr9nENhAo/U7TE-q_5MLI/AAAAAAAAkFE/01QA-so3Kbw/s1600/20140612_194015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YWsr9nENhAo/U7TE-q_5MLI/AAAAAAAAkFE/01QA-so3Kbw/s1600/20140612_194015.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LweoMCPZy4Y/U7TFALh0gXI/AAAAAAAAkFM/mmIZuyAzyxg/s1600/20140612_194016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LweoMCPZy4Y/U7TFALh0gXI/AAAAAAAAkFM/mmIZuyAzyxg/s1600/20140612_194016.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_N46HjgF-Lo/U7TGZo1KZTI/AAAAAAAAkFg/gDeNpdAlAFc/s1600/sunsetkayak.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_N46HjgF-Lo/U7TGZo1KZTI/AAAAAAAAkFg/gDeNpdAlAFc/s1600/sunsetkayak.jpeg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G5b0fOMJ3L8/U7TGo9Gx4gI/AAAAAAAAkFo/EHA0rYCSVbE/s1600/20140612_204610(0).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G5b0fOMJ3L8/U7TGo9Gx4gI/AAAAAAAAkFo/EHA0rYCSVbE/s1600/20140612_204610(0).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LZmu06LXDq0/U7TGp4HSV-I/AAAAAAAAkFw/5dLdolOjXtI/s1600/20140612_204820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LZmu06LXDq0/U7TGp4HSV-I/AAAAAAAAkFw/5dLdolOjXtI/s1600/20140612_204820.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>THE WORLD'S LARGEST BLOCK PARTY</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9oOILLoXto/U7TVU6oudSI/AAAAAAAAkGA/uW_Ya-_6LEE/s1600/StPats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9oOILLoXto/U7TVU6oudSI/AAAAAAAAkGA/uW_Ya-_6LEE/s1600/StPats.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The World's Largest Block Party started 30 years ago in Chicago.&nbsp; It's hard to believe that would be 1984, lol.&nbsp; My my how time flies.&nbsp; This year, Kurt, Sue and some other of our friends like Viki, DatLy and some other new faces all went down to West Loop to enjoy an afternoon of live music and fun!&nbsp; Kurt, Sue and I took the Metra down from the Ravenswood stop on Lawrence and walked over from Ogilvie to Monroe and Des Plaines near Old St. Pat's Church.&nbsp; There we met up with everyone else and there weren't many people yet.&nbsp; So, we were able to move around freely, get food, drink and enjoy Chicago.&nbsp; The World's Largest Block party is also know as the Largest Single's Event, although I didn't see that.&nbsp; Kurt and Sue said this was where they met two years before and you never know what happens.&nbsp; Maybe there is some Irish "magic" here.&nbsp; Well, soon, we were visited by a thunderstorm and we all had to take cover in the Presidential Tower Parking Garage until it blew over.&nbsp; Luckily, the storm didn't last more than a half an hour because we all went back to the event where it started to fill up for Live Music from <b><i>The Mowgli's</i></b> and <b><i>Third Eye Blind!</i></b>&nbsp; Yes, Third Eye Blind!&nbsp; By now, I was on the brink of a panic attach trying to get through people.&nbsp; We all bought VIP tickets and the VIP stand was all the way at the other end, lol.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wf-ocZGJFs8/U7TWRIEieMI/AAAAAAAAkGQ/pTVxdyCHLl4/s1600/20140628_181533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wf-ocZGJFs8/U7TWRIEieMI/AAAAAAAAkGQ/pTVxdyCHLl4/s1600/20140628_181533.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">First arriving at the Block Party.&nbsp; No one here yet.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T7wYe2V-jcE/U7TWNKamdcI/AAAAAAAAkGI/HyvpgQShd3w/s1600/20140628_181546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T7wYe2V-jcE/U7TWNKamdcI/AAAAAAAAkGI/HyvpgQShd3w/s1600/20140628_181546.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pmm1GOzdn3g/U7TWQqiDIqI/AAAAAAAAkGU/hhsaQmYD1tY/s1600/20140628_181610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pmm1GOzdn3g/U7TWQqiDIqI/AAAAAAAAkGU/hhsaQmYD1tY/s1600/20140628_181610.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGEfOIEnoFM/U7TWVS2hhZI/AAAAAAAAkGg/Ei5HmfZPv2w/s1600/20140628_181637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SGEfOIEnoFM/U7TWVS2hhZI/AAAAAAAAkGg/Ei5HmfZPv2w/s1600/20140628_181637.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Viki and DatLy </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs53-GiPOb0/U7TWYoa_9DI/AAAAAAAAkGo/eeWlEpHc9w4/s1600/20140628_185933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vs53-GiPOb0/U7TWYoa_9DI/AAAAAAAAkGo/eeWlEpHc9w4/s1600/20140628_185933.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<span style="font-size: small;">This was not the fairy dust I asked for...</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JqquxwXV9BU/U7TWYxZJllI/AAAAAAAAkGs/ey0nM-iP8KE/s1600/20140628_192319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JqquxwXV9BU/U7TWYxZJllI/AAAAAAAAkGs/ey0nM-iP8KE/s1600/20140628_192319.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;Taking cover..</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oigusnp7AYc/U7TYCc-jt9I/AAAAAAAAkIM/6S64qLZwEKs/s1600/20140628_193215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oigusnp7AYc/U7TYCc-jt9I/AAAAAAAAkIM/6S64qLZwEKs/s1600/20140628_193215.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>\ <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Djje6RIcw4M/U7TWcjDhH2I/AAAAAAAAkHA/hKrb2RsB2L0/s1600/20140628_194016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Djje6RIcw4M/U7TWcjDhH2I/AAAAAAAAkHA/hKrb2RsB2L0/s1600/20140628_194016.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cex7VWaygA/U7TWeoHbbQI/AAAAAAAAkHI/0YXqJ8JQDuU/s1600/20140628_194135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cex7VWaygA/U7TWeoHbbQI/AAAAAAAAkHI/0YXqJ8JQDuU/s1600/20140628_194135.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9onQOwBrYyo/U7TWhNig6EI/AAAAAAAAkHQ/fPkAOc8CTbI/s1600/20140628_201411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9onQOwBrYyo/U7TWhNig6EI/AAAAAAAAkHQ/fPkAOc8CTbI/s1600/20140628_201411.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Mowgli's</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LLMM_wjuQLk/U7TWizOjkxI/AAAAAAAAkHY/eAYYxydDxoc/s1600/20140628_212412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LLMM_wjuQLk/U7TWizOjkxI/AAAAAAAAkHY/eAYYxydDxoc/s1600/20140628_212412.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LIs9UPItL9I/U7TWnXvNM9I/AAAAAAAAkHo/bHxhQPmxB8Y/s1600/20140628_221247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LIs9UPItL9I/U7TWnXvNM9I/AAAAAAAAkHo/bHxhQPmxB8Y/s1600/20140628_221247.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kqkRyslz1A/U7TWp2KWMdI/AAAAAAAAkHw/JzYtcQ96sUU/s1600/20140628_221257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kqkRyslz1A/U7TWp2KWMdI/AAAAAAAAkHw/JzYtcQ96sUU/s1600/20140628_221257.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Third Eye Blind! </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hvT2nSEPX-Q/U7TWtzN2rYI/AAAAAAAAkH4/fTo8igbfuc8/s1600/20140628_221258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hvT2nSEPX-Q/U7TWtzN2rYI/AAAAAAAAkH4/fTo8igbfuc8/s1600/20140628_221258.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UNxb7UKP37g/U7TWuB_6M5I/AAAAAAAAkH8/VZwWBP3fDjs/s1600/20140628_221307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UNxb7UKP37g/U7TWuB_6M5I/AAAAAAAAkH8/VZwWBP3fDjs/s1600/20140628_221307.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>OTHER THINGS</b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Outside of work and home life, I’ve been seeing a doctor for my Psoriasis.&nbsp; I recently saw a GP doctor here in Ravenswood about Humira (Advocate Medical of Ravenswood).&nbsp; One, I learned that I have a rare blood type (A negative) and two I learned that I need to lower my cholesterol.&nbsp; The doctor said that I’m healthy for a 40 year old (for the most part) but he is recommending I see a nutritionist.&nbsp; He also encouraged me to donate blood too since my type is one of the rarest.&nbsp; At least the doctor was honest about not taking the Humira yet.&nbsp; I’ve already talked to a few friends about dieting and am now changing my diet again.&nbsp; Unfortunately, because of the high cholesterol, I am unable to take Humira now.&nbsp; I’ll have to get by with the creams for now and deal with the awful nightly scratching.&nbsp; I need to focus on losing weight and eating better.&nbsp; A local friend here sent me a very thorough e-mail on diets and to add a few movies to my Netflix queue: Food, Inc (which I already watched and almost gave me nightmares), Food Matters, and Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead.&nbsp; I’m also looking into Nutribullet and Paleo Diet.&nbsp; Thanks Kurt and Sue, and Lauren!&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Kurt also took me over to Revolution Tap Room on Kedzie too where I tried some good beers.&nbsp; We sampled many good flavors but I liked the dark beers the most.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_KfxEEw_CnU/U7TYo_V_9kI/AAAAAAAAkIc/OlGykeH-RYs/s1600/20140621_171247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_KfxEEw_CnU/U7TYo_V_9kI/AAAAAAAAkIc/OlGykeH-RYs/s1600/20140621_171247.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Revolution Tap Room, 3340 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5b6Bm0rK69g/U7TYn72P_OI/AAAAAAAAkIU/zNBQJqVYk8s/s1600/20140621_172022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5b6Bm0rK69g/U7TYn72P_OI/AAAAAAAAkIU/zNBQJqVYk8s/s1600/20140621_172022.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fweCuySUkrQ/U7TYpuFiyII/AAAAAAAAkIk/n5A0BpnX6sg/s1600/20140621_172237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fweCuySUkrQ/U7TYpuFiyII/AAAAAAAAkIk/n5A0BpnX6sg/s1600/20140621_172237.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S1C4bWMhsKk/U7TYreETJeI/AAAAAAAAkIs/yaftrT9pWd4/s1600/20140621_172459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S1C4bWMhsKk/U7TYreETJeI/AAAAAAAAkIs/yaftrT9pWd4/s1600/20140621_172459.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IM0PRfzR_NE/U7TZXDzMAxI/AAAAAAAAkI8/EA4WFg-WY1Q/s1600/20140621_193856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IM0PRfzR_NE/U7TZXDzMAxI/AAAAAAAAkI8/EA4WFg-WY1Q/s1600/20140621_193856.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>♪ Announcements, announcements, a horrible death to die, a horrible death to die ♪&nbsp;</b></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ok, so, yes, I deleted my old FB page. Ok why? It was time to start over, close that last chapter of my life and seal it! Don't look back to it; time to look forward and start anew with a new chapter! Around this time two years ago, someone I was very close to stated that I was going to fail in Chicago and move back to Cleveland.&nbsp; A real friend would not go behind your back and tell your friends you are going to fail.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">My friend, <a class="g-profile" href="https://plus.google.com/107402051031806157520" target="_blank">+Richard Trigg</a> called me later in June and told me that their cat, Tigger, (the one they adopted from me in 2002) had passed away.&nbsp; It was very sad and it seemed that he'd been sick for awhile.&nbsp; I'm glad he went peacefully and he didn't suffer.&nbsp; He was born in July 2001 (around then), so he was getting old.&nbsp; He had a long happy life!&nbsp; I'm happy for that.&nbsp; Tigger was given to me when I lived in Pinewood Apartments in Brunswick OH in 2001, just after September 11.&nbsp; I was trying to remember with Rich when he was born and I remember my neighbor (who had Tigger first) said probably around June or July 2001.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6VJuosSEybM/U7TbzyIHVPI/AAAAAAAAkJM/8c20RC4BFl8/s1600/20121224_204657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6VJuosSEybM/U7TbzyIHVPI/AAAAAAAAkJM/8c20RC4BFl8/s1600/20121224_204657.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tigger and I at Rich and Kelly's for Christmas Eve 2012</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Garfield Heights OH </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4Ryw6mzruI/U7Tbz-JD3tI/AAAAAAAAkJI/POkm-c_T2xU/s1600/20121224_212116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4Ryw6mzruI/U7Tbz-JD3tI/AAAAAAAAkJI/POkm-c_T2xU/s1600/20121224_212116.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">RIP Tigger, my friend.</span></div><br />Extreme weather has been pummeling Chicago...<br /><br /><i>June 24th</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lSoH9oED7Kc/U7Tc-41X4nI/AAAAAAAAkJc/Dt2LLqgU9_M/s1600/chicago-tornado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lSoH9oED7Kc/U7Tc-41X4nI/AAAAAAAAkJc/Dt2LLqgU9_M/s1600/chicago-tornado.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Whoa! That's Route 83 north in Westmont, Kingery Highway. I used to drive it all the time to and from work. I recognize the Oakbrook Terrace Tower in the background.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>June 30th </i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bLRWtDSDTXc/U7TdhzLR9qI/AAAAAAAAkJk/vdsylIrskrg/s1600/chicago-tornado1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bLRWtDSDTXc/U7TdhzLR9qI/AAAAAAAAkJk/vdsylIrskrg/s1600/chicago-tornado1.jpg" height="578" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JfJy9Z5OXGA/U7Td75lNCCI/AAAAAAAAkJ4/LaVCRyp46jQ/s1600/20140624_191857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JfJy9Z5OXGA/U7Td75lNCCI/AAAAAAAAkJ4/LaVCRyp46jQ/s1600/20140624_191857.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_i8NRlz_v_g/U7Td7DZqPBI/AAAAAAAAkJw/BqdrX4_G_hg/s1600/20140624_192020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_i8NRlz_v_g/U7Td7DZqPBI/AAAAAAAAkJw/BqdrX4_G_hg/s1600/20140624_192020.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y45Gn_UElXo/U7Td7DvXdhI/AAAAAAAAkJ0/pLv_-YlGTV4/s1600/20140624_194845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y45Gn_UElXo/U7Td7DvXdhI/AAAAAAAAkJ0/pLv_-YlGTV4/s1600/20140624_194845.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Near Home: Another sunset over Lawrence Avenue in front of Kimball Station. </span></div><br />After the storm... <br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>OAKBROOK 17-102 UPDATE </b></span><br /><br />I’ve also been expanding my home network too.&nbsp; I’ve expanded my home network to include VMWare, ESXi (etcetera).&nbsp; I am now saving up for a brand new camera (for photography), a gigabit Ethernet switch (for iSCSI with ESXi) and some kind of NAS.&nbsp; Before I do those, I’m going to add more memory into the Dell for better performance.&nbsp; Yes, all my computer gear still retain the old “Oakbrook 17-102” signage, thanks to the first apartment I started my home network at in North Royalton OH, Oakbrook Gardens.&nbsp; Why change it now?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GlYpMocjwME/U7WzJ-4KCjI/AAAAAAAAkKQ/4RQBDUCInp4/s1600/etcetera-graphs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GlYpMocjwME/U7WzJ-4KCjI/AAAAAAAAkKQ/4RQBDUCInp4/s1600/etcetera-graphs.png" height="512" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--cpuJsb6S0k/U7WzJyvijYI/AAAAAAAAkKU/QT0UcTuyv50/s1600/oakbrook-lan1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--cpuJsb6S0k/U7WzJyvijYI/AAAAAAAAkKU/QT0UcTuyv50/s1600/oakbrook-lan1.png" height="468" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QfGpIwzGM2o/U7Wzu-MPiEI/AAAAAAAAkKg/RUalcN98SuQ/s1600/oakbrook-lan.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QfGpIwzGM2o/U7Wzu-MPiEI/AAAAAAAAkKg/RUalcN98SuQ/s1600/oakbrook-lan.png" height="428" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXPwQDvogHE/U7Wz4sUheRI/AAAAAAAAkKo/g2nqjE21Jw8/s1600/win2k3-64-esxi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXPwQDvogHE/U7Wz4sUheRI/AAAAAAAAkKo/g2nqjE21Jw8/s1600/win2k3-64-esxi.png" height="588" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q--7RaI42G4/U7Wz4vk5AhI/AAAAAAAAkKs/W3CLC-1KTWw/s1600/win2k3-64-worked.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q--7RaI42G4/U7Wz4vk5AhI/AAAAAAAAkKs/W3CLC-1KTWw/s1600/win2k3-64-worked.png" height="542" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wpadxB793-4/U7W0EXdjx5I/AAAAAAAAkK4/_gUHk0RyZkE/s1600/win2k3-64-azinuth-smoke.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wpadxB793-4/U7W0EXdjx5I/AAAAAAAAkK4/_gUHk0RyZkE/s1600/win2k3-64-azinuth-smoke.png" height="590" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNp7o8pl5GY/U7W0EbWL4RI/AAAAAAAAkK8/ZMKciOr5NXA/s1600/win2k3-64-azinuth.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNp7o8pl5GY/U7W0EbWL4RI/AAAAAAAAkK8/ZMKciOr5NXA/s1600/win2k3-64-azinuth.png" height="542" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I finally got iSCSI to work on my home network. I am using my TeraStation (backup NAS) for ESXi datastores. Basically, I'm using the TeraStation for network storage so I can do backups. Thanks, Wayne Chatham for the disk provisioning info and suggestions in ESXi. I've already powered off everything to make sure ESXi still sees the datastores (and virtual disks) when I power it back on. I had an extra NIC on the ESXi so I setup a new vmkernel for binding to iSCSI and to keep network traffic separate for better performance. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ME5-kJB16U8/U7W69Hxbh2I/AAAAAAAAkM4/u6tue99OJLo/s1600/esxi-iscsi1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ME5-kJB16U8/U7W69Hxbh2I/AAAAAAAAkM4/u6tue99OJLo/s1600/esxi-iscsi1.png" height="446" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jmpzZnhCuKU/U7W69_BOfdI/AAAAAAAAkMo/YjEeCgfh02Q/s1600/esxi-iscsi2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jmpzZnhCuKU/U7W69_BOfdI/AAAAAAAAkMo/YjEeCgfh02Q/s1600/esxi-iscsi2.png" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mtD8bQgVsM4/U7W6-E8AjrI/AAAAAAAAkMc/qJF09fEgr40/s1600/esxi-iscsi3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mtD8bQgVsM4/U7W6-E8AjrI/AAAAAAAAkMc/qJF09fEgr40/s1600/esxi-iscsi3.png" height="640" width="602" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aZHvledFwfo/U7W6-V-u8vI/AAAAAAAAkMk/dbL9j1YAxrw/s1600/esxi-iscsi4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aZHvledFwfo/U7W6-V-u8vI/AAAAAAAAkMk/dbL9j1YAxrw/s1600/esxi-iscsi4.png" height="640" width="602" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_WRCGriPN8/U7W6-rJxRcI/AAAAAAAAkMw/H_zkbmJkDvk/s1600/esxi-iscsi5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_WRCGriPN8/U7W6-rJxRcI/AAAAAAAAkMw/H_zkbmJkDvk/s1600/esxi-iscsi5.png" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xooC3NDWR5k/U7W69b8tC3I/AAAAAAAAkMs/UNnSbc7eE0E/s1600/NAS-iscsi1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xooC3NDWR5k/U7W69b8tC3I/AAAAAAAAkMs/UNnSbc7eE0E/s1600/NAS-iscsi1.png" height="542" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T5YO1W2S8yg/U7W69bkNQlI/AAAAAAAAkM0/5B5l4KJCh7g/s1600/NAS-iscsi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T5YO1W2S8yg/U7W69bkNQlI/AAAAAAAAkM0/5B5l4KJCh7g/s1600/NAS-iscsi.png" height="542" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The first Virtual Machine to use the NAS after setting up a new Hard Disk in ESXi. Drive F: is the TeraStation. Drive C: is the local ESXi drive. I decided on Thin Provisioning and Dependent Mode so I can do snapshots.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6yDJEbZy78w/U7YRNoXLiMI/AAAAAAAAkO8/sjrcKb4xpvQ/s1600/privyet.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6yDJEbZy78w/U7YRNoXLiMI/AAAAAAAAkO8/sjrcKb4xpvQ/s1600/privyet.png" height="542" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>ALBA GO BRAGH!</b> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jzv0ebzTpwU/U7XJH2UW0bI/AAAAAAAAkN0/BCyU6L9ImOU/s1600/scottish_fb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jzv0ebzTpwU/U7XJH2UW0bI/AAAAAAAAkN0/BCyU6L9ImOU/s1600/scottish_fb.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Also, in June, I celebrated my Scottish History with June 24th, celebrating 700 years of Scottish FFRRREEEDDDOOOMMM and the Battle of Bannockburn. June 24th, Mid-Summer's Day, marks 700 years of Scotland's freedom with the Battle of Bannockburn, led by Robert the Bruce! Alba go bragh!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQQpGbI_nHg/U7XIwdzYgZI/AAAAAAAAkNs/EiHOkc-88yc/s1600/chattan_tartan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQQpGbI_nHg/U7XIwdzYgZI/AAAAAAAAkNs/EiHOkc-88yc/s1600/chattan_tartan.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Clan McCeattanach</b></i> (Seen Modern: Chattan), THE CLAN OF THE CAT. The actual origin of the name Chattan is disputed. There are three main theories. The name derives from the Catti, a tribe of Gauls, driven out by the advancing Romans. The name is taken from Cait, an ancient name for the present counties of Caithness and Sutherland. The clan derives its name from Gillchattan Mor, baillie of Ardchattan, follower of St Cattan. This is the most widely accepted theory.<br /><br />Until the early 14th century the Clan Chattan was a seperate Scottish clan with its own chieftencey, until Angus Mackintosh, 6th chief of Clan Mackintosh married Eva, the daughter of Gilpatric Dougal Dall, the 6th chief of Clan Chattan. Thus Angus Mackintosh became 6th chief of Clan Mackintosh and 7th chief of the Clan Chattan. The two clans united to form the Chattan Confederation, headed by the chief of Clan Mackintosh.The feud with the Clan Comyn brought the Chattan Confederation support from Robert the Bruce and they fought for him at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. They also took part in the Scottish invasions of England in 1318 and 1319. Many Highland Clans came to the aid and support of Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Clan Chattan was one of those clans that hailed to him.<br /><br />A noted Chatham historian traced my family back to this clan and its early beginning. He also said that the Chathams may've come down out of Scotland in the early 1800s and settled in Nottingham, England, where my Great grandfather is from. Cheetham is actually an <i>anglicized</i> version of the Scottish name. The name Chatham didn't surface until recently here in the States, but CEAT (Cheet) in Scots-gaelic is "CAT." CHAT in French is CAT. "Tan" is a temporary dwelling place. HAM is old english for HOME.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>1984 MOVIE MARATHON</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At home, I celebrated my 1984 movie collection, starting on June 7, the day Ghostbusters was released in theaters 1984.&nbsp; I remember first seeing this with my family at the former Memphis Drive-in in Cleveland OH.&nbsp; It was shortly after school let out and my brothers and I had a choice as to what movie to watch: Ghostbusters, Trading Places or Conan.&nbsp; We all said "GHOSTBUSTERS!" So, my movie lineup consisted of...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Ghostbusters</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">• The Last Starfighter</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">• The Neverending Story (<i>Die undendliche Geschichte</i> - German.&nbsp; I remember reading this in German for German Class in High School)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Gremlins</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Indiana Jones: The Temple of Doom</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">• The Karate Kid</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Conan: The Destroyer</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Trading Places</span></div><br /><i><b>So, now you can see what I’ve been up to.&nbsp; I am trying to get back into blogging even it’s just a little bit once in a while.&nbsp; From the desk of Eric Chatham, thank you for reading…</b></i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9GaeFrlD20/U7W7vdnNFqI/AAAAAAAAkNE/ig7Pe98XmrI/s1600/20140703_145405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9GaeFrlD20/U7W7vdnNFqI/AAAAAAAAkNE/ig7Pe98XmrI/s1600/20140703_145405.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NE8YW3V5C68/U7W7uRpzXUI/AAAAAAAAkM8/Pu5X56cPTRQ/s1600/20140703_145427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NE8YW3V5C68/U7W7uRpzXUI/AAAAAAAAkM8/Pu5X56cPTRQ/s1600/20140703_145427.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br />I'm hoping to go to Lollapalooza this year so I can see these guys...<br /><br /><i><b>CUT COPY</b></i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/zkb3s8IfBEc?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>In Memory Capsule</b></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">♪♫ [Verse 1]<br />You say you're a refugee of the long term loving scene<br />As you stole your kiss from me, but how different could I be<br /><br />[Bridge]<br />To the others, you've been hating<br />Broken lovers, but it's all over now<br />All the others, you've been hating<br />Broken lovers, but it's all over now<br />Fallen love<br /><br />[Chorus]<br />Can you feel it<br />Can you feel it’s burning in our minds<br />Just believe it<br />Just believe in it once in your lifetime<br />Can you feel it<br />Can you feel it’s burning in our minds<br />Just believe it<br />Just believe in it once in your lifetime<br /><br />[Verse 2]<br />You say I'm the reckless one<br />So you shy away from love<br />But I know how long you gonna run<br />From the things that you want in life<br /><br />[Bridge 2]<br />All the others, you've been hating<br />Broken lovers, but it's all over now<br />Fallen love<br /><br />[Chorus x2]<br />Can you feel it?<br />Can you feel it burning in our minds?<br />Just believe it<br />Just believe it once and a lifetime<br /><br />[Refrain x2]<br />Fallen love?<br /><br />[Chorus]<br />Can you feel it<br />Can you feel it’s burning in our minds<br />Just believe it<br />Just believe in it once in your lifetime<br />Can you feel it<br />Can you feel it’s burning in our minds<br />Just believe it<br />Just believe in it once in your lifetime ♫♪</span></i></div><br />The new <a href="http://blog.shekinya.net/" target="_blank">blog site</a> will be coming soon this year.&nbsp; Stay tuned...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YddVNDpnw7A/U7XH9bQqI3I/AAAAAAAAkNk/31Rxp3TZiig/s1600/blogsite.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YddVNDpnw7A/U7XH9bQqI3I/AAAAAAAAkNk/31Rxp3TZiig/s1600/blogsite.png" height="406" width="640" /></a></div><br /><hr /><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQyt028cGaQ/UH3tMuntAVI/AAAAAAAAEdI/JLvainxrbJE/s1600/iconfoursquare.png" /></td> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://foursquare.com/" target="_blank">Foursquare</a></span></td> </tr></tbody> </table><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Can't see my check-ins?<br />Log into Foursquare and add me as a "friend" to see the details.</span></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td><a href="https://plus.google.com/+EricChatham/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eosiN9hkL1g/UwA97lziHzI/AAAAAAAAc_w/8mSg7Jb73LY/s1600/gplus-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://foursquare.com/user/29100101"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZmjRClf0XA/URSDWIlhFFI/AAAAAAAALPA/sDAblL-jdTc/s1600/foursquare-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ericrchatham"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LwcLDEwkQk/URSDdp6ss-I/AAAAAAAALPI/-aLb0I_PiFE/s1600/linked-icon-25px.gif" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.shekinya.net/"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7C2KjSQbMI/URSDkVeoieI/AAAAAAAALPQ/7BUwkwqwWII/s1600/shekinya-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/anelfinphile"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-euhpUUCymoM/URSDp6hhrqI/AAAAAAAALPY/FGYa3-Ml9AU/s1600/you-tube-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.sports-tracker.com/#/view_profile/echatham1013"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv3iS_Rf2Qc/URSIbJOWvYI/AAAAAAAALQQ/sljM9cUtrgs/s1600/sports-tracker-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.meetup.com/VentureAround/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZcaiMdS57A/UXHteVWaJPI/AAAAAAAAOkA/xhbVgYpnHMI/s1600/meetupicon.png" /></a></td> </tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Connect to me elsewhere at your own risk.</span></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">FOUNDATIONAL BLOGS</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-life-starts-at-water-tower-in-chicago.html">My Life starts at the Chicago Water Tower!</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/mark-0000-last-0-is-for-time-parameter.html">Mark 0, 0, 0, 0. The last 0 is for the time parameter</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/10/keeping-train-of-thought-and-keeping-on.html">Keeping a train of thought and keeping on track.</a></span><br /><br />Eric Chathamhttps://plus.google.com/103180783527067419905noreply@blogger.com0Albany Park, Chicago, IL, USA41.9689723 -87.71972449999998441.9217483 -87.800405499999982 42.0161963 -87.639043499999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877632834855922254.post-37458326327776009302014-06-28T15:13:00.001-05:002014-06-28T15:44:12.130-05:00Midsummer refresh! Time to start over!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tabula Rasa!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XBSURcnJBTU/U68hVTL7EMI/AAAAAAAAjkk/msHg0DJnC1Y/s1600/chicago-sailboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XBSURcnJBTU/U68hVTL7EMI/AAAAAAAAjkk/msHg0DJnC1Y/s1600/chicago-sailboat.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">If you are reading this now, I am sorry that I haven't had much time to blog. &nbsp;In the upcoming months, I will slowly be removing my blog entries from this site and transplanting them elsewhere. &nbsp;I have my own webspace and I'm looking into expanding that for blogging. &nbsp;Blogger has been a nice way to communicate my life here in Chicago, but I'm starting fresh with a clean slate. &nbsp;I recently sent out a Newsletter to friends and family and it was great to receive feedback from several on it. &nbsp;I will be posting that last one here but, as I stated, I will be slowly removing each one of my blog entries and transplanting them. &nbsp;I don't know the timeframe yet for this; I'm looking into WordPress or my OWN custom made blog! &nbsp;I'm doing this for many reasons; For one, I am not liking the Google SSO everywhere on the Internet. &nbsp;It's getting out of hand, and I think it's becoming a security risk! &nbsp;The transplantation of the blogs will move slowly and it depends on my time. &nbsp;Work has gotten so busy lately. On top of that, I just haven't felt like blogging anything. &nbsp;I'm having too much FUN here! &nbsp;No, really, I'm having too much FUN to even think about blogging!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7ub7Rpo05c/U68ek781HXI/AAAAAAAAjkg/HZ-s9rLa3K4/s1600/shekinya-no-website.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7ub7Rpo05c/U68ek781HXI/AAAAAAAAjkg/HZ-s9rLa3K4/s1600/shekinya-no-website.jpg" height="286" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I have passed a two year mark with my life here in Chicago and I am loving it here. &nbsp;Sure, it's still taking me time to get acquainted with the City and it's still a daily step, but I'm still moving forward, and trying not to look back! &nbsp;I am still keeping my goals alive for this year. &nbsp;I am not going to jump into everything all at once. &nbsp;It's going to take time to find my niche and I'm constantly trying new stuff. &nbsp;There is so much here to do. &nbsp;So, expect to see one last blog here. &nbsp;Thank you to all that have been reading them each month and thank you to all that have played a major positive support of my goals in Chicago! &nbsp;Be sure to come back one last time to get details as to where I'll be posting blogs!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>73,<br />Eric Chatham.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bnBB_VHDOdM/U68hxW2_p5I/AAAAAAAAjks/jeTiS0hdhpk/s1600/IMAG0467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bnBB_VHDOdM/U68hxW2_p5I/AAAAAAAAjks/jeTiS0hdhpk/s1600/IMAG0467.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><hr /><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQyt028cGaQ/UH3tMuntAVI/AAAAAAAAEdI/JLvainxrbJE/s1600/iconfoursquare.png" /></td> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://foursquare.com/" target="_blank">Foursquare</a></span></td> </tr></tbody> </table><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Can't see my check-ins?<br />Log into Foursquare and add me as a "friend" to see the details.</span></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td><a href="https://plus.google.com/+EricChatham/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eosiN9hkL1g/UwA97lziHzI/AAAAAAAAc_w/8mSg7Jb73LY/s1600/gplus-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://foursquare.com/user/29100101"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZmjRClf0XA/URSDWIlhFFI/AAAAAAAALPA/sDAblL-jdTc/s1600/foursquare-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ericrchatham"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LwcLDEwkQk/URSDdp6ss-I/AAAAAAAALPI/-aLb0I_PiFE/s1600/linked-icon-25px.gif" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.shekinya.net/"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7C2KjSQbMI/URSDkVeoieI/AAAAAAAALPQ/7BUwkwqwWII/s1600/shekinya-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/anelfinphile"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-euhpUUCymoM/URSDp6hhrqI/AAAAAAAALPY/FGYa3-Ml9AU/s1600/you-tube-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.sports-tracker.com/#/view_profile/echatham1013"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv3iS_Rf2Qc/URSIbJOWvYI/AAAAAAAALQQ/sljM9cUtrgs/s1600/sports-tracker-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.meetup.com/VentureAround/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZcaiMdS57A/UXHteVWaJPI/AAAAAAAAOkA/xhbVgYpnHMI/s1600/meetupicon.png" /></a></td> </tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Connect to me elsewhere at your own risk.</span></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">FOUNDATIONAL BLOGS</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-life-starts-at-water-tower-in-chicago.html">My Life starts at the Chicago Water Tower!</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/mark-0000-last-0-is-for-time-parameter.html">Mark 0, 0, 0, 0. The last 0 is for the time parameter</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/10/keeping-train-of-thought-and-keeping-on.html">Keeping a train of thought and keeping on track.</a></span><br /><br />Eric Chathamhttps://plus.google.com/103180783527067419905noreply@blogger.com0Albany Park, Chicago, IL, USA41.9689723 -87.71972449999998441.9217483 -87.800405499999982 42.0161963 -87.639043499999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877632834855922254.post-77245478715701078782014-03-30T16:12:00.000-05:002014-03-30T19:47:03.745-05:00Lost time is never found again<i>Out of touch, out of time...</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2sJR-T-x_EM/UyUOukxfdPI/AAAAAAAAdvc/-bJgS7cWuXQ/s1600/20140315_163953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2sJR-T-x_EM/UyUOukxfdPI/AAAAAAAAdvc/-bJgS7cWuXQ/s1600/20140315_163953.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>687th DAY: ERROR 301, "MOVED PERMANENTLY."</b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately, this month I had absolutely no time to do a blog.&nbsp; It was a crazy, busy, working, packing, moving, last minute MONTH.&nbsp; Here is a "basic breakdown" as to what I did.&nbsp; You won't get my usual detailed blog with Foursquare check-ins this month:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">• <i><b>Diebold Trip to Batesville AR (March 3)</b></i>.&nbsp; Arkansas doesn't get snow storms like the North but they did the week I was there.&nbsp; We take for granted the plows and salted roads.&nbsp; They don't have them in Arkansas.&nbsp; Driving was a bear.&nbsp; The weather shut everything down in Arkansas and put everything behind, so I was working very late some days!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fkv2MA4dXyI?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIuY80fxJ7A/UyUQWq_KfEI/AAAAAAAAdvo/abu1wfSJBwU/s1600/20140305_191235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIuY80fxJ7A/UyUQWq_KfEI/AAAAAAAAdvo/abu1wfSJBwU/s1600/20140305_191235.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">• <b><i>Diebold Training at Canton (March 9)</i></b>.&nbsp; I was pulled out of the <i>Agilis 3</i> training to work a <i>Teller Automation</i> project in Fremont OH.&nbsp; Level 3 Snow Emergencies declared.&nbsp; Sheriff came into businesses and told everyone to go home and stay off the roads.&nbsp; I still worked and drove back and forth between 3 sites.&nbsp; Not fun!&nbsp; I visited Mom and Dad too.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gTMpPz286c/UyUQvSI8wPI/AAAAAAAAdvw/69AQI8x8IQE/s1600/20140312_134323%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gTMpPz286c/UyUQvSI8wPI/AAAAAAAAdvw/69AQI8x8IQE/s1600/20140312_134323%25280%2529.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">• <i><b>St. Paddy's Day with Dena in Chicago (March 15)</b></i>.&nbsp; Dena and I drove back together to Chicago after my Diebold project (Fremont OH) and spent St. Paddy's day weekend in Chicago.&nbsp; We did a lot of sight-seeing, ate Chicago Deep Dish Pizza at Lou Malnati's (Wells Street) and went to the Art Institute afterwards.&nbsp; She also met Kurt and Sue, some of my new friends here in Chicago.&nbsp; SHE LOVED THE TRIP!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--XNNa1j7ChY/UyURCsAxASI/AAAAAAAAdv4/hI-CVNAwrgc/s1600/20140315_131328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--XNNa1j7ChY/UyURCsAxASI/AAAAAAAAdv4/hI-CVNAwrgc/s1600/20140315_131328.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lGPwiQ2kCus/UyURKQS136I/AAAAAAAAdwI/xZxamYo4vUE/s1600/20140315_135841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lGPwiQ2kCus/UyURKQS136I/AAAAAAAAdwI/xZxamYo4vUE/s1600/20140315_135841.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RFebD2gdaWg/UyURORyaJaI/AAAAAAAAdwU/BEfD-2S14Dg/s1600/20140315_151424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RFebD2gdaWg/UyURORyaJaI/AAAAAAAAdwU/BEfD-2S14Dg/s1600/20140315_151424.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zkJPq74QxSk/UyURWpcwrYI/AAAAAAAAdwc/0ULyxmIDlXo/s1600/20140315_160823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zkJPq74QxSk/UyURWpcwrYI/AAAAAAAAdwc/0ULyxmIDlXo/s1600/20140315_160823.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Dena commented on my driving when I was taking her around. I told her that the rule here in Chicago is "you watch the front. They watch the back. No turn signals. Sure, drive defensively but also aggressively at the same time or else you get nowhere fast." It will take some time to get used to more congested traffic here.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kepu5w7xZKA/UzDOmQzMwbI/AAAAAAAAeA8/lHCmHnGfNMs/s1600/pissed_cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kepu5w7xZKA/UzDOmQzMwbI/AAAAAAAAeA8/lHCmHnGfNMs/s1600/pissed_cat.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Plus, this will be how I'll be parking from now on...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nRz6418YtjE/UzDO31oYAQI/AAAAAAAAeBE/tLeas2ZLjm4/s1600/20140316_103205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nRz6418YtjE/UzDO31oYAQI/AAAAAAAAeBE/tLeas2ZLjm4/s1600/20140316_103205.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ofNas1mku-M/UzDO308mBSI/AAAAAAAAeBE/9eOy2X479Yo/s1600/20140316_103153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ofNas1mku-M/UzDO308mBSI/AAAAAAAAeBE/9eOy2X479Yo/s1600/20140316_103153.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">• <i><b>Moving Week (687th Day, March 17).</b></i>&nbsp; 2 years past since I made that first step moving to Chicago and Diebold. No Internet this week. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uD59scD-r20/UzDMY2YHLTI/AAAAAAAAeAo/RXne1fl-Lb8/s1600/shekinya-no-website.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uD59scD-r20/UzDMY2YHLTI/AAAAAAAAeAo/RXne1fl-Lb8/s1600/shekinya-no-website.jpg" height="286" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>DAY 687:</b></i> WHAT A MESS! Moving week!!! Two years ago today, I took that first big step when I moved to Chicago. It began when I started a new job and spent the week in San Francisco for job training. It was my last stop before starting a new life. Once again, I'll be taking another big step into Chicago Proper this week.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6f2f2YJLpAY/UzDNDmcte5I/AAAAAAAAeAw/rpWFf9z6NUI/s1600/20140317_181751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6f2f2YJLpAY/UzDNDmcte5I/AAAAAAAAeAw/rpWFf9z6NUI/s1600/20140317_181751.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUtfuCnlZzQ/UzDNDh6_PjI/AAAAAAAAeAw/uRT0R1-V_Z4/s1600/20140317_200640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SUtfuCnlZzQ/UzDNDh6_PjI/AAAAAAAAeAw/uRT0R1-V_Z4/s1600/20140317_200640.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AfU59DsD89s/UzDNDjFPLdI/AAAAAAAAeAw/nqS7ugFxD94/s1600/20140317_200648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AfU59DsD89s/UzDNDjFPLdI/AAAAAAAAeAw/nqS7ugFxD94/s1600/20140317_200648.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13KMA_09s8Y/UzDNDhWoVdI/AAAAAAAAeAw/vnMpWQii1zI/s1600/20140317_200707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13KMA_09s8Y/UzDNDhWoVdI/AAAAAAAAeAw/vnMpWQii1zI/s1600/20140317_200707.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>DAY 688:</b></i> Task Rabbit complete. <i>Kurt Poppenhouse</i>, thank you again for recommending them. The guy came out early and we got done quickly. Boxes from walk in closet put into storage. Computer and other electronic equipment relocated at new place. Ford Fusion parked at new place. It took us 3 hours to do the work. I'll probably use then again. Tomorrow, cable installation and I'll start setting up the computer stuff.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>DAY 689:</b></i> Comcast has come and gone. Shekinya.net services back online. Queued e-mail will take awhile to catch up on my LAN from DynDNS. Computer stuff and cable setup. Verizon drops my calls at my new place and I might have to change providers. I hope not. Early bed tonight. THIS WILL BE MY LAST NIGHT IN THE BURBS. Tomorrow the movers arrive and officially relocate me. It'll be the big day. Then unpacking.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Comcast decided to tell me today that they no longer support port 25 for SMTP. So in other words, I have no mailflow now and need to find a new ISP that supports home businesses. Use my gmail for email. Thanks. So, now I have to upgrade to a "business account."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>DAY 690:</b></i> It's started. Another chapter of "Eric failing deletions" comes to a close. Officially relocated to Chicago Proper.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZDiO0TaElE/UzDPzFrr_nI/AAAAAAAAeBQ/yd7v-MnarYU/s1600/20140320_113226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZDiO0TaElE/UzDPzFrr_nI/AAAAAAAAeBQ/yd7v-MnarYU/s1600/20140320_113226.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gQnlcAdO4T8/UzDQN4A3WdI/AAAAAAAAeBY/jCVMh7CHkLU/s1600/20140320_121507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gQnlcAdO4T8/UzDQN4A3WdI/AAAAAAAAeBY/jCVMh7CHkLU/s1600/20140320_121507.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--0hHf72nTDY/UzDQNyjiUSI/AAAAAAAAeBY/mdYITOPU3Dk/s1600/20140320_121503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--0hHf72nTDY/UzDQNyjiUSI/AAAAAAAAeBY/mdYITOPU3Dk/s1600/20140320_121503.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AWoxr4rWN4Q/UzDQN8s8UTI/AAAAAAAAeBY/qcEcmUnhbHs/s1600/20140320_121514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AWoxr4rWN4Q/UzDQN8s8UTI/AAAAAAAAeBY/qcEcmUnhbHs/s1600/20140320_121514.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-moszDZe9g1M/UzDQNytOLgI/AAAAAAAAeBY/-aLv4Oi-jdc/s1600/20140320_121517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-moszDZe9g1M/UzDQNytOLgI/AAAAAAAAeBY/-aLv4Oi-jdc/s1600/20140320_121517.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nx8FmNx8Yqw/UzDQN2DIIcI/AAAAAAAAeBY/aewzZS3ZLGQ/s1600/20140320_121628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nx8FmNx8Yqw/UzDQN2DIIcI/AAAAAAAAeBY/aewzZS3ZLGQ/s1600/20140320_121628.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n19P5PvLAS8/UzDQNzPtN9I/AAAAAAAAeBY/eob4L5njWGI/s1600/20140320_121634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n19P5PvLAS8/UzDQNzPtN9I/AAAAAAAAeBY/eob4L5njWGI/s1600/20140320_121634.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O0T7rIYx2Cw/UzDQN7j0WII/AAAAAAAAeBY/W8rymxszes8/s1600/20140320_143551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O0T7rIYx2Cw/UzDQN7j0WII/AAAAAAAAeBY/W8rymxszes8/s1600/20140320_143551.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FYtDFgqp5ok/UzDQNw3ErGI/AAAAAAAAeBY/uRQ2HTcCyZE/s1600/20140320_143610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FYtDFgqp5ok/UzDQNw3ErGI/AAAAAAAAeBY/uRQ2HTcCyZE/s1600/20140320_143610.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>DAY 691:</b></i> You learn things as they happen. My apartment is a no-zone for Verizon. So, I had to splurge and install a Network Extender. Here's the other problem. The extender is dependent on GPS. I'm in a brick building on the first floor and it's hard to get a good GPS lock. My company uses Verizon just as I do for personal. So, I hope thing is steady. It's working now after finally getting a GPS lock.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-bw3tW10e8/UzDRT13A7sI/AAAAAAAAeBk/2IB1Ig4TJCg/s1600/20140322_143734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-bw3tW10e8/UzDRT13A7sI/AAAAAAAAeBk/2IB1Ig4TJCg/s1600/20140322_143734.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I finished cleaning up my old place (bathroom, kitchen and sweeping floors).&nbsp; I stopped at Home Depot in Countryside to buy a shower curtain rod. I was told that I had to buy and install my own. Ranks up there with most asinine requests. Bona for floors. <a class="g-profile" href="https://plus.google.com/101998093818081270220" target="_blank">+Jill Howard</a>, thank you for the recommendation.&nbsp; It worked nicely on the floors!</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>DAY 692:</b></i> Officially unpacking!&nbsp; Cleaned bathroom and hardwood floors with Bona.&nbsp; I could not even take a shower without first cleaning the bathroom.&nbsp; Granted, everything is new, but it was just a mess!&nbsp; After unpacking the Office, Bedroom and some of the Living Room, I had my first visit from new friendly neighbors, Kurt, Sue and Hank!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fv91QH5GofY/UzDRpQelF6I/AAAAAAAAeBs/GY6at3pt2Jg/s1600/20140322_221922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fv91QH5GofY/UzDRpQelF6I/AAAAAAAAeBs/GY6at3pt2Jg/s1600/20140322_221922.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G6YjWoq-xn4/UzDRpbK5VSI/AAAAAAAAeBs/WOBO9KXg57I/s1600/20140322_221902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G6YjWoq-xn4/UzDRpbK5VSI/AAAAAAAAeBs/WOBO9KXg57I/s1600/20140322_221902.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EQCdvfv0tZ0/UzDRpZTbcaI/AAAAAAAAeBs/octH5n9Toxk/s1600/20140322_195935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EQCdvfv0tZ0/UzDRpZTbcaI/AAAAAAAAeBs/octH5n9Toxk/s1600/20140322_195935.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGxoT7arovE/UzDRpfTraFI/AAAAAAAAeBs/lop5_HwAekM/s1600/20140322_195910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGxoT7arovE/UzDRpfTraFI/AAAAAAAAeBs/lop5_HwAekM/s1600/20140322_195910.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><i><b>DAY 700:</b></i> Everything unpacked, or put into storage.&nbsp; Internet services back up.&nbsp; Time to start planning a Friends' Party.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DnUDUSM-s04/UziHukw6NDI/AAAAAAAAeMM/2Sc_-gmIwkQ/s1600/20140328_170749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DnUDUSM-s04/UziHukw6NDI/AAAAAAAAeMM/2Sc_-gmIwkQ/s1600/20140328_170749.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BxYouEYSNQg/UziHugT5SFI/AAAAAAAAeMM/gwVI0BXtDHY/s1600/20140328_170934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BxYouEYSNQg/UziHugT5SFI/AAAAAAAAeMM/gwVI0BXtDHY/s1600/20140328_170934.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3rtaqZvJbII/UziHumSNE_I/AAAAAAAAeMM/Lf2AJWfYUNo/s1600/20140328_170906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3rtaqZvJbII/UziHumSNE_I/AAAAAAAAeMM/Lf2AJWfYUNo/s1600/20140328_170906.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CHQ0C92RnYA/UziHuv5AMuI/AAAAAAAAeMM/FLjfLMrzzuU/s1600/20140328_170915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CHQ0C92RnYA/UziHuv5AMuI/AAAAAAAAeMM/FLjfLMrzzuU/s1600/20140328_170915.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_vT9N84uToQ/UziHulmnxGI/AAAAAAAAeMM/9oZLcdnwuB4/s1600/20140328_170829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_vT9N84uToQ/UziHulmnxGI/AAAAAAAAeMM/9oZLcdnwuB4/s1600/20140328_170829.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FdPOt_ssGyQ/UziHuoL1qgI/AAAAAAAAeMM/c57-Ws31-yk/s1600/20140328_170831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FdPOt_ssGyQ/UziHuoL1qgI/AAAAAAAAeMM/c57-Ws31-yk/s1600/20140328_170831.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A7z8qmxT-hc/UziHugl2W6I/AAAAAAAAeMM/xuHprs1GkME/s1600/20140328_170721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A7z8qmxT-hc/UziHugl2W6I/AAAAAAAAeMM/xuHprs1GkME/s1600/20140328_170721.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bBTOTXPhTPY/UziHurW232I/AAAAAAAAeMM/Bf3t1_whUEU/s1600/20140328_170644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bBTOTXPhTPY/UziHurW232I/AAAAAAAAeMM/Bf3t1_whUEU/s1600/20140328_170644.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MpyaYSKl2eE/UziHuh20beI/AAAAAAAAeMM/i0DgMl-RrCY/s1600/20140328_170607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MpyaYSKl2eE/UziHuh20beI/AAAAAAAAeMM/i0DgMl-RrCY/s1600/20140328_170607.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8TZw7LlwRxM/UziHuhnaEsI/AAAAAAAAeMM/FqjRrhqC4rI/s1600/20140328_170520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8TZw7LlwRxM/UziHuhnaEsI/AAAAAAAAeMM/FqjRrhqC4rI/s1600/20140328_170520.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJ_nqlqQWqA/UziHuvbpEhI/AAAAAAAAeMM/SqNtYwgEMPc/s1600/20140328_170450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJ_nqlqQWqA/UziHuvbpEhI/AAAAAAAAeMM/SqNtYwgEMPc/s1600/20140328_170450.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--j3of3vH3b8/UziHuqE4OBI/AAAAAAAAeMM/qmxrTR07mlw/s1600/20140328_170412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--j3of3vH3b8/UziHuqE4OBI/AAAAAAAAeMM/qmxrTR07mlw/s1600/20140328_170412.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G5_Afv-n5jg/UziHumdSiOI/AAAAAAAAeMM/UKl2KX8slZA/s1600/20140328_170405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G5_Afv-n5jg/UziHumdSiOI/AAAAAAAAeMM/UKl2KX8slZA/s1600/20140328_170405.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMdCjOjsx18/UziHuk1Z3pI/AAAAAAAAeMM/rBzX_EsvT2I/s1600/20140325_173751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMdCjOjsx18/UziHuk1Z3pI/AAAAAAAAeMM/rBzX_EsvT2I/s1600/20140325_173751.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The last weekend of March, I explored my new area with a neighborhood walk with Kurt and then on Saturday, March 29, we went into Lincoln Square and hung out, having drinks at the "Wild Goose," and dining at "The Bad Apple." This month was just really busy with packing/moving.&nbsp; I didn't have much time to detail a blog.&nbsp; Hope the pictures do some justice.</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>All of April will be travelling, starting with Massachusetts...</i></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>IN OTHER NEWS</b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Missing Malaysian Flight. Malaysian officials say missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370’s communications systems were deliberately deactivated, and that satellite signals indicate it could have flown as far away as Kazakhstan.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Flight MH370 and the 239 people aboard have been missing for more than a week. No sign of the plane has been found, though investigators say whoever was flying the plane after it disappeared was very skilled.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XmbtITfnb9c/UyUWP90WHlI/AAAAAAAAdw4/-lvhZJ76D1c/s1600/malaysia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XmbtITfnb9c/UyUWP90WHlI/AAAAAAAAdw4/-lvhZJ76D1c/s1600/malaysia.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div><br /><hr /><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQyt028cGaQ/UH3tMuntAVI/AAAAAAAAEdI/JLvainxrbJE/s1600/iconfoursquare.png" /></td> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><a href="https://foursquare.com/" target="_blank">Foursquare</a></span></td> </tr></tbody> </table><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Can't see my check-ins?<br />Log into Foursquare and add me as a "friend" to see the details.</span></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td><a href="https://plus.google.com/+EricChatham/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eosiN9hkL1g/UwA97lziHzI/AAAAAAAAc_w/8mSg7Jb73LY/s1600/gplus-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="https://foursquare.com/user/29100101"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZmjRClf0XA/URSDWIlhFFI/AAAAAAAALPA/sDAblL-jdTc/s1600/foursquare-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ericrchatham"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LwcLDEwkQk/URSDdp6ss-I/AAAAAAAALPI/-aLb0I_PiFE/s1600/linked-icon-25px.gif" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.shekinya.net/"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7C2KjSQbMI/URSDkVeoieI/AAAAAAAALPQ/7BUwkwqwWII/s1600/shekinya-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/anelfinphile"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-euhpUUCymoM/URSDp6hhrqI/AAAAAAAALPY/FGYa3-Ml9AU/s1600/you-tube-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.sports-tracker.com/#/view_profile/echatham1013"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv3iS_Rf2Qc/URSIbJOWvYI/AAAAAAAALQQ/sljM9cUtrgs/s1600/sports-tracker-icon-25px.png" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.meetup.com/VentureAround/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZcaiMdS57A/UXHteVWaJPI/AAAAAAAAOkA/xhbVgYpnHMI/s1600/meetupicon.png" /></a></td> </tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Connect to me elsewhere at your own risk.</span></td> </tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">FOUNDATIONAL BLOGS</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-life-starts-at-water-tower-in-chicago.html">My Life starts at the Chicago Water Tower!</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/09/mark-0000-last-0-is-for-time-parameter.html">Mark 0, 0, 0, 0. The last 0 is for the time parameter</a><br /><a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2012/10/keeping-train-of-thought-and-keeping-on.html">Keeping a train of thought and keeping on track.</a></span><br /><br />Eric Chathamhttps://plus.google.com/103180783527067419905noreply@blogger.com0Albany Park, Chicago, IL, USA41.9689723 -87.71972449999998441.9217483 -87.800405499999982 42.0161963 -87.639043499999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2877632834855922254.post-83291219333920530052014-02-28T22:13:00.000-06:002014-03-08T17:14:10.656-06:00A stitch in time<i>. . .'smells like the color nine.'</i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GaQAQpPPBTM/Uv2Aq3_eNsI/AAAAAAAAc80/QytnAvP0VfY/s1600/IMG_22434387274806.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GaQAQpPPBTM/Uv2Aq3_eNsI/AAAAAAAAc80/QytnAvP0VfY/s1600/IMG_22434387274806.jpeg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>LET'S DO THIS FEBRUARY JIG AGAIN!</b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Want to learn the February Jig?</i>&nbsp; Skip, Leap and Repeat!&nbsp; This is a short month.&nbsp; <a href="http://shekinya.blogspot.com/2013/02/its-short-month-skip-leap-and-repeat.html" target="_blank"><i><b>Last year</b></i></a> it was filled with things to do.&nbsp; This year, it wasn't per say.&nbsp; February is a unique month because it is the only month to have <i>leap, skip and repeat days</i>. February 2 is repeat day. February 29 when in season is leap day. Finally, February 14 is SKIP day!﻿</div><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">•<i><b>February 2</b></i> was popularized by the movie "Groundhog's Day," starring Andie McDowell and Bill Murray.&nbsp; However, in the <i>World of Information Technology</i>, at least to me, it's known as <b>Reboot Day</b>.&nbsp; So, be sure to reboot your computers wherever you be!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">•<i><b>February 29</b></i>, when it's in season, is obviously leap day.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">•<i><b>February 14</b></i> has been SKIP day for me for many a year.&nbsp; It's one day I could just deal without; however, I have written a poem about my journey to meeting my soulmate, wherever she may be.&nbsp; I wrote it one year.&nbsp; It's also the "Feast of First Fruits" on the calendar I use in my own writings!&nbsp; It's the first day of spring.</span></div></blockquote><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mzWjLJzhe9I/UwmP-CFlf5I/AAAAAAAAdDc/pLm3aobLMzs/s1600/sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mzWjLJzhe9I/UwmP-CFlf5I/AAAAAAAAdDc/pLm3aobLMzs/s1600/sunrise.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This winter has really been very brutal in so many ways.&nbsp; I don't know what's wrong with me but, for this whole month, I've been dealing with extreme sadness.&nbsp; I don't know what's causing it.&nbsp; Since the stroke of midnight of New Year's, I've just been plagued with tears.&nbsp; I don't know why I can't shake it off.&nbsp; It's been tough trying to make do wherever I've been this month; I've gone recluse this month and just have not felt like talking to anyone; friends or family.&nbsp; This year has not started off the way I wanted it.&nbsp; I have to find a way to get this going for me again.&nbsp; This has not been my year so far in many ways mentally and emotionally.&nbsp; That also goes for my health too!&nbsp; Already, I've had two migraine headaches.&nbsp; I don't get them often, and I have this sense of ill bode every night I've gone to bed this past month.&nbsp; I don't know why or what it is, but many nights, I've gone to bed in tears this month.</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I only can hope that this year gets better.&nbsp; I must look forward to new things in my life here in Chicago this year.&nbsp; I have to keep pressing onward.&nbsp; One of the things weighing me down I think is the thought of moving, and breaking a comfort zone.&nbsp; I've already collected two year's worth of fine memories here in Chicago and it will be hard moving into the city finally.&nbsp; I don't expect things to go right immediately; it's going to take time!&nbsp; I've never done something like this before -- moving into a populated city.&nbsp; The mere thought of it is pressing and a heavy one.&nbsp; I know I have new friends here, but in so many ways, I feel like I'm alone in my battle; alone in my journey of life.&nbsp; Again, this month has not been an easy one so far emotionally.&nbsp; I'm still keeping with my New Year's Resolutions, and I just hope I can shake off this sadness.&nbsp; It's reminded me about one of the stories I wrote with an elfin King plagued by tears.&nbsp; In my writings, shedding tears is forbidden, because it is considered an evil and relinquishing tears is like stripping your soul.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here is a <i>Litany of Tears</i> from the <a href="http://shekinya.net/pliagge/riddle.html" target="_blank">"Account of Lankinya"</a> in the <i>Book of the Morning</i>:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">"Tears of evil fall, tears of glory rise, tears of joy give hope and tears of pain provoke fear. The sea opens in two places, and there, tears fall in the blue water that was formed by the scepter. Two seas there are my dear, and one opening for you, Lankìnya of Vaaluir. What becomes of your destiny is entirely yours, beloved. Would you be forgiven of your debt with the birth of your son? Would you yet be forgiven by the bounty of your tears? Would your soul find comfort in the flames of Croàta or in the clouds of Vaaluir? Or, would your soul find content in the ever-winding path into the Horizon? Tears of lust covet another, tears of agony provoke death; however, tears of laughter are good medicine and tears of mercy give forgiveness."</span></i></div></blockquote><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Q4s-YNu7y0/Uww7HTlTcDI/AAAAAAAAdFA/STEzYXt3VnU/s1600/IMG_29027571527242.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Q4s-YNu7y0/Uww7HTlTcDI/AAAAAAAAdFA/STEzYXt3VnU/s1600/IMG_29027571527242.jpeg" height="320" width="176" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>INTROVERTS SPEAK THE LOUDEST IN SILENCE!</b></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I've reached out to <i><b><a href="http://8at8.com/" target="_blank">8at8</a></b>&l